tihvavy  of  Che  Cheolocjiccd  gtminavy 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 


PRESENTED  BY 

The  Estate  of 
Victor  H#  Lukene 

BX  9523  . A2~  1882b" 
Reformed  Church  in  America. 
The  liturgy  of  the  Reformed 
Church  in  America 


THE  LITURGY 


OF  THE 


Reform 


ed  Church  in 


FOR   USE  IN 


PUBLIC    WORSHIP 


NEW    YORK 

The   Board   of    Publication 

of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America 

25    East  Twenty-second  Street 


Approved  by  the  General  S\ 


CONTENTS. 


pac;e 

Preface,         ...  ....         5 

I.  Order  of  Scripture  Lessons,    ...  7 

II.  Order  of  Public  Worship.         -        *         .        n 
i.  Morning, 
ii.  Evening. 

III.  Prayers   for  Special  Occasions,        .        .        a* 

IV.  The  Creeds, 56 

V.  The  Administration  of  Baptism,       .        •        61 
i.  To  Infants 
ii.  To  Adult  Persons. 

VI.  The  Public  Reception  into  Full  Com- 
munion of  those  who  have  been 
Baptized  in  Infancy,        ...        70 

VII.  The  Administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper,       73 

3 


4  CONTENT& 

PAGE 

VIII.  Church  Discipline, 85 

h  Excommunication. 

n.  The   Readmission   of  Excommunicated 
Persons. 

IX.  Ordination,         ......       94 

1.  Of  Ministers  of  God's  Word. 
11.  Of  Elders  and  Deacons. 

X.  The  Installation  of  a  Minister,      .        .  in 

XI.  The  Laying  of  a  Corner  Stone,       .         .  119 

XII.  The  Dedication  of  a  House  of  Worship,  124 

XIII.  The  Confirmation  of  Marriage.                .  130 

XIV.  The  Burial  of  the  Dead,          •  .      .         •  l3< 


PREFACE. 


IN  the  year  1868  the  General  Synod  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee "  to  revise  our  Liturgy,  so  that  it  may  more  fully 
meet  the  wants  of  the  Church." 

This  Committee  consisted  of  E.  S.  Porter,  D.D.,  M.  S. 
Hutton,  D.D.,  J.  B.  Thompson,  D.D.,  T.  C.  Strong,  D.D., 
and  the  Rev.  W.  R.  Duryee,  and  the  Elders  F.  T.  Fre- 
linghuysen  and  J.   B.  Jewett. 

In  1870  the  Rev.  Dr.  Porter  was  released  at  his  own 
request  from  the  Committee,  which  was  then  increased  by 
the  addition  of  J.  Elmendorf,  D.D.,  and  A.  R.  Thomp- 
son, D.D.,  and  the  Elder  R.  H.  Pruyn. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  General  Synod,  in  1873,  tnis  Com- 
mittee reported  the  Revision  which  they  had  made. 

The  Report  was  accepted,  but  further  action  was  post- 
poned until  the  following  year,  that  the  proposed  Liturgy 
might  be  printed  and  submitted  to  the  churches  for  their 
inspection. 

In  1874  the  General  Synod  "  approved  of  so  much  of  the 
Revised  Liturgy  as  is  not  inconsistent  with,  or  forbidden  by, 
the  Constitution,"  and  gave  permission  to  use  the  same, 
"not  sanctioning  any  change  in  the  Baptismal  Form,  or  the 
Form  for  the  Administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper." 

In  1875  this  action  was  reconsidered,  on  the  ground  that 
the  Liturgy  was  a  part  of  the  Constitution,  and  could  not  be 
altered  by  a  resolution  of  the  General  Synod,  but  only  in 
accordance  with  the  prescribed  constitutional  methods,  after 
submitting  the  proposed  changes  to  the  several  Classes  for 
their  approval. 

In  1876,  two-thirds  of  the  Classes  having  approved  the 

5 


i  PREFACE. 

revised  Form  for  the  Confirmation  of  Marriage,  the  General 
Synod  declared  the  same  to  be  adopted. 

In  1878,  two-thirds  of  the  Classes  having  signified  their 
approval  of  the  Forms  for  the  Public  Reception  into  Full 
Communion  of  those  who  have  been  baptized  in  Infancy,  the 
Installation  of  a  Minister,  the  Laying  of  a  Corner  Stone,  the 
Dedication  of  a  House  of  Worship,  the  Burial  of  the  Dead, 
and  Prayers  for  Special  Occasions,  not  hitherto  forming  a 
part  of  the  Liturgy,  the  same  were  ordered  to  "be  printed 
in  connection  with  our  Standards,  not  as  authoritative  and 
imperative  Formulas,  but  as  specimens,  embodying  the 
sense  of  the  Church  in  reference  to  the  most  edifying  mode 
of  rendering  these  services." 

The  remaining  Forms  and  the  Order  of  Worship  have 
long  been  a  part  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Reformed 
Church,  having  been  translated  from  the  Liturgy  of  the 
Church  of  Holland,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston,  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  last  century. 

The  use  of  the  Forms  for  the  Administration  of  the  Sac- 
raments, for  Ordination,  and  for  Discipline,  and  the  observ- 
ance of  the  Order  of  Worship,  are  obligatory.  (See  Consti- 
tution, II.,  11;  X.,  1,  2,  4;  XIIL,  11,  13.) 

With  these  exceptions,  this  Litugy  is  not  of  binding 
authority,  but  it  is  set  fonh  as  a  general  expression  of  the 
manner  in  which  the  Public  Worship  of  God  should  be  con- 
ducted, and,  in  the  words  of  the  late  Rev.  Mancius  S.  Hutton, 
D.D.,  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  through  whose  labors 
the  Revised  Liturgy  was  first  prepared  and  presented  to  the 
Church,  "  with  the  hope  that  it  will  so  commend  itself  to  the 
piety  and  wisdom  of  the  Church,  that  its  increasing  use  will 
place  us  before  the  world  in  our  true  historic  position  as  a 
spiritual  Liturgical  and  Reformed  Church.11 

New  York,  1882. 


1. 

Order   of   Scripture   Lessons. 


HISTORICAL    NOTE. 

The  Synod  of  Dort,  A.  D.  1618,  in  its  Rules  of  Church 
Government  [which  "  were  recognized  and  expressly  adopt- 
ed" by  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  America,  in 
Convention,  New  York,  October,  A.  D.  1771],  decreed  as 
follows : 

"Art.  67. — Besides  the  Sabbath  day,  the  Churches  shall 
likewise  observe  Christmas,  Easter,  and  Whitsuntide,  with 
the  day  succeeding  each;  and  whereas,  in  most  of  the 
cities  and  provinces  of  the  Netherlands,  it  is,  moreover, 
customary  to  observe  the  day  of  the  Circumcision  and  As- 
cension of  our  Lord,  the  Ministers,  where  such  practice  has 
net  been  adopted,  shall  endeavor  to  prevail  with  the  civil 
authority  to  establish  a  conformity  with  the  other  Churches." 

This  article  bears  witness  to  the  ancient  usage  of  our 
Church.  The  evident  design  of  that  usage  was  to  bring 
into  devout  remembrance,  year  by  year,  the  vital  facts  of 
the  Advent,  Death,  and  Resurrection  of  Our  Blessed  Lord, 
and  of  the  Mission  of  the  Holy  Comforter.  Thereto  this 
Order  of  Scripture  Lessons  is  adjusted,  with  the  hope  that 
if  any,  in  the  exercise  of  Christian  liberty,  shall  use  it,  such 
use  may  be  found  to  edification. 

7 


LITURGY. 


SEASON  OF  THE  ADVENT  OF  OUR  LORD. 

(CHRISTMAS.) 

The  Order  of  Lessons  for  the  Christmas  Season  begins  with  the  fourth    Sundaj 
before  Christmas. 


4  Sun.  before  Christmas. 
3    "       


Christmas  (Dec.  25)  . . 

Circumcision  (Jan.  1).. 

Sun.  after  Christmas. 


OLD    TEST, 

Isaiah,    1... 

5--. 

"        25-- 

"       3°--< 

"       60... 

Gen.  i7:i-ic 

Isaiah,  35... 

»       41... 

'•       44... 

'"       5*— 

"      54— 

"       57- •• 

44       61... 

44       65.., 


NEW  TEST. 

Luke,  1:1-38.. 

"     1:39-56. 

44    3:1-18.. 

Matt.,  3:1-12.. 
Luke,  2:7-20. . 

41       2:21-24. 

"  2:25-52. 
Matt.,  2:1-12.. 
Mark,  1:1-15.. 
John,  1:15-28. 
Matt.,  4:1-1 1.. 
Luke,  4:14-32, 

Matt.,  5 , 

1       6 


OLD    TEST. 

NEW  TEST. 

Isaiah,      2.... 

Romans,    10 

Malachi,  3.... 

44            12 

Isaiah,  28:1-22. 

14 

32.... 

1  Corinth.,  1 

9:1-7.. 

John,      1:1-14 

Deut.,  10:12-22 

Coloss.,        2 

Isaiah,    40 

1  CorintJ,,  2 

42.... 

Heb.,           s 

M           45---- 

1  Cor.,         3 

11        52:1-12. 

*3 

55«  — 

2  Cor.,          4 

59.... 

5 

62.... 

Galat.,         g 

66.... 

3 

The  Lessons  for  the  Sundays  after  Christmas  are  intended   to  be  used  until  the  ninth 
Sunday  before  Easter,  and  no  further. 


SCRIPTURE   LESSONS. 


II. 

SEASON  OF  THE  DEATH  AND  RESURRECTION  OF  OUR 

LORD. 

(EASTER.) 

The  Order  of  Lessons  for  the  Easter  Season  begins  with  the  ninth  Sunday  before 
Easter.  Easter  Sunday,  corresponding  to  the  time  of  the  Jewish  Passover,  is  the  Sun- 
day next  after  the  full  moon  that  follows  the  21st  of  March  ■  and  if  the  full  moon  hap- 
pen on  a  Sunday,  it  is  the  Sunday  after.     Ascension  Day  is  forty  days  after  Easter. 


9  Sunday  before  Easter. 


Good  Friday 

Easter 

1  Sunday  after  Easter. 


3 

4  " 

5  " 

Ascension. 


OLD    TEST. 

Jerem.,    5.... 

25.... 

Lam.,       1.... 

Jerem.,  7.... 
Ezek.,  14.... 
"  20:1-26.. 
Micah,  6.... 
Haggai,  2:1-9. 
Dan.,  9:4-27.. 
Gen.,  22:1-19  . 
Exod.,  12:1-36 
Isaiah,  43.... 
Hosea,  13.... 
Joel,  3:1-8.... 

Micah,  5 

Zech.,   8 

Deut.,10 


NEW  TEST. 

Matt.,  7..., 
Luke,  7:1-18.. 
Mark,  6:1-29., 
Matt.,  10  — 
Luke,  10:1-24. 
Mark,  9:1-29.. 
Luke,  19:1-27. 

'  21 

1     19:29-48. 

John,      19 

"  20.... 

Acts,        1 

3.... 

"       5:17-42- 

6.... 

".      8:14-40. 

Luke, 24:44-53 


OLD   TEST. 

Jerem., 

22.... 

" 

36.... 

Lam.,  3 

:i-36.. 

Jerem., 

9.... 

Ezek., 

18.... 

"     20 

27-49 • 

Habakk 

.,3.... 

Zech., 

13.... 

Malach 

,  4.... 

Isaiah, 

53---- 

" 

25.... 

11 

48.... 

Hosea, 

14.... 

Micah, 

4.... 

Nahum 

1. ... 

Zech., 

10 

2  Kings 

2 

NEW   TEST. 

Ephesians,     1 


Philippians, 


Hebrews,  5 
Philippians,  2 
Romans,  6 
1  Cor.,  15:1-28 
Colossians,      1 

3 
1  Thess.,         3 

4 
Eph.,      4:1-16 


!• 


LITURGY. 


III. 
SEASON  OF  THE  MISSION  OF  THE  HOLY  COMFORTER. 

(PENTECOST    OR    WHITSUNTIDE.) 
Th«  Order  of  Lessons  for  the  Season  of  Pentecost  begins  with  the  Sunday  before 
Pentecost.     Pentecost,  or  Whitsuntide,  is  the  seventh  Sunday  after  Easter. 


I  Sunday  before  Pentecost 

Pentecost 

Pentecost,  i  Sunday  after. 


OLD   TEST. 

Joel,  2... 

Deut.,  16:1-17. 

Genesis,    1. . . . 

"  3.... 

37-— 

"         43---- 

49.... 

Exodus,    3.... 

9.... 

14.... 

Numb.,   16.... 

23.... 

Deut.,  4:1-40. 

6.... 

8.... 

33-- •■ 

Joshua,  23 — 

Judges,     4..., 

1  Sam.,   12 — 

2  Sam.,    12 — 

1  Kings,  8:1-2 

17... 

2  Kings,  5... 
Daniel,  6... 
Proverbs,  1... 

3... 

"         13... 
M         15... 


NEW    TEST. 

John,      17 

Acts,     2:1-36. 

Matt.,  3:10-17. 

Acts,     9:1-31. 

"  10. . . . 

"  11. ... 

14 

15.... 

17.... 

"  20.... 

"  24.... 

26.... 

28.... 

Matt.,     18.   .. 

"  20.... 

23.... 

25..., 

4... 

13... 

13... 

15... 

20. . . 

3... 

7... 


Mark, 
Luke, 

John, 


OLD    TEST. 

Zeph.,      3.. 

Isaiah,    11.. 

Genesis,  2.. 

6.. 

"         *S«- 

"  42-- 

45-- 

50.  • 

Exodus,   5.. 


Numb.,  22.. 

24.. 

Deut.,      5.. 

"  7«- 

9.. 

34-- 
Joshua, 24.. 
Judges,    5.. 

1  Sam.,  17.. 

2  Sam.,  19  . 

1  K'gs,8-.22- 

18.. 

2  Kings, 19.. 
Daniel,  7.. 
Prov.,       2   . 


NEW    TEST 

2  Thess.,  3 
Acts,  4:1- 
1  John,        5 

1  Tim.,        ( 

2  Tim.,         a 


Titus,  2 

Hebrews,  10 


James,         1 

"  2 

"  3 

4 

5 

1  Peter,        1 


Peter, 


John, 


Jude. 
Rev., 


The  Lessons  for  the  Sundays  after  Pentecost  are  to  be  used  until  the  fourth  Sunday 
before  Christmas,  and  no  further. 


MORNING  SERVICE  n 


n. 
Order  of  Public  Worship, 


LORD'S    DAY    MORNING. 
I. 

INVOCATION. 

It  is  recommended  that  the  Invocation  be  concluded  with  the  Lord's  Pray«r,  and 
that  the  People  unite  audibly  in  the  Lord's  Prayer  whenever  used,  and  in  the 
Amen  at  the  close  of  every  prayer  in  Public  Worship. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
flowed  be  Thy  Name:  Thy  kingdom  come  ;  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven: 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  for- 
give US  OUR  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors; 
And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil  :  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  Power,  and  the  Glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 

II. 
SALUTATION. 

Grace   be   unto   you,  and   peace,  from   God   our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

i  Cor.  i  :  3. 


12  LITUROY. 

1!  Or  this  - 

Grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  the  Father, 
and  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

2  Tim,  i  :  2. 

1  Or  this: 

Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  you,  through 
the  knowledge  of  God,  and  of  Jesus  our  Lord. 

2  Peter,  i  :  2. 

1  Or  this : 

May  God,  Who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out 
of  darkness,  shine  in  your  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of 

Jesus  Christ. . 

2  Cor.  iv  :  6. 

III. 

READING    OF    SCRIPTURE. 

I.— THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

Hear  the  law  of  God  as  it  is  written  in  the  20th  chapter  of  the  Book 
of  Exodus. 

And  God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the 
Lord  thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage. 


I. 
Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  Me. 

II. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image, 
or  any  likeness  of  anything  that  is  in  heaven  above, 


MORNING    SERVICE.  1 3 

or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  wa- 
ter under  the  earth :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thy. 
self  to  them,  nor  serve  them  :  for  I  the  Lord  thy 
God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth 
generation  of  them  that  hate  Me;  and  showing 
mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  Me,  and 
keep  My  commandments. 

III. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  Name  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guilt- 
less that  taketh  His  Name  in  vain. 


IV. 

Remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six 
days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work :  but  the 
seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-serv- 
ant, nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within 
thy  gates :  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven 
and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rest- 
ed the  seventh  day;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed 
the  Sabbath  day,  and  hallowed  it. 


v. 

Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother  :  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee. 


14  LITURGY. 

VI. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII. 
Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII. 
Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

x. 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man- 
servant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his 
ass,  nor  anything  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 


Hear  also  the  Summary  of  the  Law  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  it  is 
written  in  the  Gospel  according  to  Matthew,  xxii  :  37-40- 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 
This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And 
the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two  commandments 
hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

After  th«  mdiof  of  th«  Law  a  witAblc  RwpooM  may  be  mm*. 


MORNING    SERVICE.  Tj 

II.— READING   OF   SCRIPTURE    LESSONS. 

If   desired,  one   of  the  Lessons  may  consist  of  a  portion  from    the  Psalms,  read 

responsively  by  the  Minister  and  People. 
After  either  or  both  ox  the  Lessons,  a  Gloria  or  Chant  may  be  sung. 


IV. 
SINGING. 

V. 
PRAYER. 

This  will  ordinarily-  be  free.  But  if  desirable,  the  Litany,  which  is  a  literal 
translation  from  the  Reformer  Bucer's  "  Reformation  of  Doctrine  and  Wor- 
ship," or  any  of  the  Prayers  for  Special  Occasions,  which  will  be  found  on 
pages  22-55,  may  be  used. 

VI. 

SINGING. 

VII. 
SERMON. 

VIII. 

PRAYER. 

IX. 
OFFERINGS   TO   THE   LORD. 

The  Offerings  are  sometimes  presented  either  before  or  after  the  Uymn  preced- 
ing the  Sermon. 

X. 
SINGING. 


1 6  LITURGY. 

XL 

BENEDICTION. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love 
of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
with  you  all.     Amen. 

2  Cor.  xiii  :  14. 

f  Or  this : 

Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from 
the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  Great  Shepherd  of 
the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting 
Covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to 
do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ :  to  Whom 
be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Hebrews,  xiii  :  20,  21. 

10r  this: 

The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee. 

The  Lord  make  His  face  shine  upon  thee 
and  be  gracious  unto  thee. 

The  Lord  lift  up  His  countenance  upon  thee, 
and  give  thee  peace. 

Numbers,  vi  :  24,  26. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you 
all.     Amen. 

Romans,  xvi  :  24 


EVENING   SERVICE. 


LORD'S   DAY   EVENING. 

i. 

INVOCATION. 

It  is  recommended  that  the  Invocation  be  concluded  with  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and 
that  the  People  unite  audibly  in  the  Lord's  Prayer  whenever  used,  and  in  the 
Amen  at  the  close  of  every  Prayer  in  Public  Worship. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  Name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  glve 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors :  and 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil:  For  Thine  is  the  Kingdom,  and 
the  Power,  and  the  Glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 


IL 

SALUTATION. 

Grace  be  unto   you,  and    peace,  from   God    our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

I  Cor.  i  :  3. 

T  Or  this : 

Grace,  mercy,   and  peace,  from  God  the  Father 
and  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

2  Tim.  i  :  2. 


1 8  LITURGY. 

1  Or  this  : 

Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  you   through 
the  knowledge  of  God,  and  of  Jesus  our  Lord. 

2  Peter,  i  :  2. 

\  Or  this: 

Mercy    unto    you,    and    peace,    and    love,    be 


multiplied. 


Jude,  2. 


III. 
READING    OF   SCRIPTURE. 

11  desired,  one  of  the   Lessons  may  consist  of  a  portion  from  the  Psalms,  read  re- 

sponsively  by  the  Minister  and  People. 
After  either  or  both  of  the  Lessons  a  Gloria  or  Chant  may  be  sung. 


IV. 
SINGING. 

This  may  be  followed  by  repeating  the  Creed,  according  to  the  ancient  custom  of 
our  Church,  the  People  standing,  and  repeating  audibly  with  the  Minister. 

THE  APOSTLES'  CREED. 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth: 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  Only  Son  our 
Lord  ;  Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered 
under  Pontius   Pilate,  was   crucified,  dead, 

AND  BURIED;  He  DESCENDED  INTO  HELL*  ;  THE 
THIRD  DAY  HE  ROSE  AGAIN  FROM  THE  DEAD;  HE 
ASCENDED    INTO     HEAVEN,    AND    SITTETH     ON    THE 

*  Instead  of  the  word  Hell  may  be  used  the  word  Hades. 


EVENING    SERVICE.  1 9 

RIGHT  HAND  OF  GOD  THE  FATHER  ALMIGHTY; 
FROM  THENCE  HE  SHALL  COME  TO  JUDGE  THE 
QUICK  AND  THE  DEAD. 

I    BELIEVE    IN    THE    HOLY   GHOST ;    THE    HOLY 

Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  saints; 
the  forgiveness  of  sins  ;  the  resurrection  of 
the  body;  and  the  life  everlasting.    amen. 


THE  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 

COMPOSED    IN    THE    COUNCIL   OF   NICE,    A.  D.    325. 

We  believe  in  one  God,  the  Father  Al- 
mighty, Maker  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  of 
all  things  visible  and  invisible  ; 

And  in  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Only 
Begotten  Son  of  God,  begotten  of  His  Fa- 
ther, BEFORE  ALL  WORLDS  ;    GOD,  OF  GOD,  LIGHT, 

of  Light,  very  God,  of  very  God  ;  begotten, 
not  made,  being  of  one  substance  with  the 
Father,  by  Whom  all  things  were  made  : 
wrho,  for  us  men  and  for  our  salvation,  came 
down  from  heaven,  and  was  incarnate  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  of  the  Virgin  Mary;  and  was 
made  man  ;  and  was  crucified  also  for  us  un- 
DER Pontius   Pilate.     He   suffered  and   was 

BURIED  ;  AND  THE  THIRD  DAY  He  ROSE  AGAIN  AC- 
CORDING to  the  Scriptures  ;  and  ascended  into 

HEAVEN,    AND    SITTETH    ON    THE    RIGHT  HAND    OF 

the  Father.    And  He  shall  come  again,  with 
glory,  to  judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead : 
Whose  kingdom  shall  have  no  end. 
And  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  Who  spake  by  the 


20  LITURGY. 

prophets.  And  one  holy  Catholic  and  Apos- 
tolic Church.  We  acknowledge  one  baptism 
for  the  remission  of  sins;  and  we  look  for 
the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  and  the  life  of 
the  world  to  come.    amen. 


V. 
PRAYER. 


This  will  ordinarily  be  free.     But  if  desired,  the  Litany,  or  any  of  the  Prayers  fof 
Special  Occasions,  which  will  be  found  on  pages  22  to  55,  may  be  used. 


VI. 
SINGING. 

VII. 
SERMON. 

VIII. 
PRAYER. 

IX. 
OFFERINGS   TO   THE   LORD. 

The  Offerings  are  sometimes  presented  either  before  or  after  the  Hymn 
ceding  the  Sermon. 

X. 
SINGING,  WITH   THE   DOXOLOGY. 


EVENINCx    SERVICE.  2  I 

XI. 

BENEDICTION. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love 

of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 

with  you  all.    Amen. 

2  Cor.  xiii  :  24. 

II  Or  This: 

Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from 
the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  Great  Shepherd  of 
the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting 
Covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work 
to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ;  to 
Whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Hebrews,  xiii  :  20,  21. 

1  Or  This: 

The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee. 
The   Lord    make  His  face    shine    upon   thee, 
and  be  gracious  unto  thee. 

The  Lord  lift  up  His  countenance  upon  thee,  and 

give  thee  peace. 

Numbers,  vi  :  24-26. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you 
all.    Amen. 

Romans,  xvi :  24. 


2  2  LITURGY. 


III. 

Prayers  for  Special  Occasions, 


THE   LITANY. 

O  God  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy  upon 
us. 

O  God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world,  have 
mercy  upon  us. 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost, 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Be  merciful  unto  us,  and  spare  us,  O  Lord. 

Be  merciful  unto  us,  and  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

From  all  sin,  from  all  error,  from  all  evil,  from 
the  wiles  of  the  devil,  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

From  dying  suddenly  and  unprepared  ;  from 
pestilence  and  famine,  from  war  and  slaughter, 
from  sedition  and  conspiracy,  from  lightning  and 
tempest,  from  everlasting  death,  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

By  the  mystery  of  Thy  holy  Incarnation,  by  Thy 
holy  Nativity,  by  Thy  Baptism,  Fasting,  and  Temp- 
tations, deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

By  Thine  Agony  and  bloody  Sweat,  by  Thy 
Cross  and  Passion,  by  Thy  Death  and  Burial,  by 
Thy  Resurrection  and  Ascension,  by  the  coming  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  the  Comforter,  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 


PRAYERS.  23 

In  all  time  of  our  tribulation,  in  all  time  of  our 
felicity,  in  the  hour  of  death,  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, 

Deliver  us,  0  Lord. 

We  sinners  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us  : 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  rule  and  govern  Thy 
Holy  Church  Universal. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  preserve  in  sound- 
ness of  word  and  holiness  of  life,  all  pastors  and 
ministers  of  Thy  Church. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  remove  all  sects  and 
scandals. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bring  back  into  the 
way  of  truth  all  such  as  wander  and  have  been  led 
astray. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  crush  Satan  under 
our  feet. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  send  forth  faithful 
laborers  into  Thy  harvest. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  the  increase  of 
Thy  Word  and  the  fruit  of  Thy  Spirit  unto  all  that 
hear. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  raise  the  fallen,  and 
strengthen  those  that  stand. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  console  the  weak- 
hearted,  and  succor  the  tempted. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  give  peace  and  con- 
cord unto  all  rulers  and  governors. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  guide  and  protect 
our  Chief  Magistrate,  with  all  his  counsellors. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bless  and  preserve 
our  people,  and  all  in  authority  among  us. 

That    it    may   please    Thee    to   look    upon    the 


24  LITURGY. 

afflicted,  and  those  that  are  in  danger ;  and  to  com- 
fort them. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  succor  all  women  in 
the  perils  of  child-birth. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  cherish  and  protect 
young  children  and  sick  persons. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  defend  and  suitably 
provide  for  the  orphans  and  widows. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  freedom  unto 
captives. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  have  mercy  upon  all 
men. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  forgive  our  enemies, 
persecutors,  and  slanderers,  and  to  convert  them. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  give  and  preserve 
tlve  fruits  of  the  earth. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  all  these  our 
requests. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sin  of  the 
world, 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sin  of  the 
world, 

Grant  us  Thy  peace. 

Lord,  deal  not  with  us  after  our  sins,  neither 
reward  us  according  to  our  iniquities. 

O  God,  Merciful  Father,  who  despisest  not  the 
groans  of  the  contrite,  nor  rejectest  the  desire  of 
the  sorrowful :  be  favorable  to  our  prayers,  which, 
in  our  afflictions  that  continually  oppress  us,  we 
pour  out  before  Thee  ;  and  graciously  hear  them  ; 
that  those  things  which  the  craft  of  the  devil  or  of 


PRAYERS.  25 

man  worketh  against  us,  may  be  brought  to  naught, 
and  by  the  counsel  of  Thy  goodness  be  scattered  ; 
that  being  hurt  by  no  persecutions,  we  may  ever 
give  thanks  unto  Thee  in  Thy  holy  Church  :  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

O  God,  from  whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good 
counsels,  and  all  just  works  proceed  :  Give  unto 
Thy  servants  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot 
give ;  that  both  our  hearts  may  be  set  to  obey  Thy 
commandments,  and  also  that  we,  being  defended 
from  the  fear  of  our  enemies,  may  by  Thy  protec- 
tion pass  our  time  in  rest  and  quietness  :  Through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

A   PRAYER   ON    THE    LORD'S    DAY,    BEFORE   SERMON. 

O  Eternal  God,  and  most  merciful  Father,  we 
humbly  prostrate  ourselves  before  Thy  high  ma- 
jesty, against  which  we  have  so  often  and  grievously 
offended ;  and  acknowledge,  if  Thou  shouldst  enter 
into  judgment  with  us,  that  we  have  deserved  noth- 
ing but  eternal  death :  for  besides  that  we  all  are,  by 
original  sin,  unclean  in  Thy  sight  and  children  of 
wrath,  conceived  in  sin  and  brought  forth  in  iniquity, 
whereby  all  manner  of  evil  lusts,  striving  against 
Thee  and'  our  neighbor,  dwell  within  us  ;  we  have 
also  indeed,  frequently  and  without  end,  transgressed 
Thy  precepts,  neglected  what  Thou  hast  commanded 
us,  and  done  what  Thou  hast  expressly  forbidden 
us.  We  have  strayed  like  sheep,  and  have  greatly 
offended  against  Thee,  which  we  acknowledge,  and 
are  heartily  sorry  for  ;  nay,  we  confess  to  our  shame, 
and  to  the  praise  of  Thy  mercy  towards  us,  that  our 


26  LITURGY. 

sins  are  more  than  the  hairs  of  our  head,  and  that  we 
are  indebted  ten  thousand  talents,  but  not  able  to 
pay.  Wherefore  we  are  not  worthy  to  be  called  Thy 
children  ;  nor  to  lift  up  our  eyes  towards  heaven,  to 
pour  out  our  prayers  before  Thee. 

Nevertheless,  O  Lord  God,  and  merciful  Father, 
knowing  that  Thou  dost  not  desire  the  death  of  a 
sinner,  but  that  he  may  turn  from  his  wickedness 
and  live ;  and  that  Thy  mercy  is  infinite,  which  Thou 
showest  unto  those  who  return  to  Thee ;  we  heartily 
call  upon  Thee,  trusting  in  our  Mediator  Jesus  Christ, 
who  is  that  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  and  we  beseech  Thee,  to  commiserate 
our  infirmity,  forgiving  us  all  our  sins  for  Christ's 
sake. 

Wash  us  in  the  pure  fountain  of  His  blood,  that 
we  may  become  clean  and  white  as  snow.  Cover  our 
nakedness  with  His  innocence  and  righteousness,  for 
the  glory  of  Thy  Name's  sake  :  clear  our  understand- 
ing of  all  blindness,  and  our  hearts  of  all  hardness 
and  pride. 

Open  the  mouth  of  Thy  servant  at  present,  and 
replenish  him  with  Thy  wisdom  and  knowledge,  that 
he  may  purely  and  confidently  set  forth  Thy  Word  ; 
prepare  also  our  hearts  that  we  may  hear,  under- 
stand, and  keep  the  same  :  write  Thy  laws,  according 
to  Thy  promise  in  the  tables  of  our  hearts,  and 
strengthen  us  to  delight  and  walk  in  the  same,  to 
the  praise  and  glory  of  Thy  Name,  and  to  the  edifi- 
cation of  Thy  Church.  O  gracious  Father,  we  ask 
for,  and  desire  all  these  things  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  who  hath  taught  us  to  pray:  OUR  FATHER, 
etc. 


PRAYERS.  27 

A  PRAYER  BEFORE  SERMON. 

HEAVENLY  Father,  eternal  and  merciful  God,  we 
acknowledge  and  confess  before  Thy  divine  majesty, 
that  we  are  poor  miserable  sinners,  conceived  in  sin, 
and  born  in  iniquity,  prone  to  all  evil,  unfit  for  any 
good  ;  and  that,  by  our  sinful  life,  we  continually 
transgress  Thy  holy  commandments,  whereby  we 
provoke  Thine  anger  against  us,  and  according  to  Thy 
righteous  judgment,  expose  ourselves  unto  eternai 
damnation.  But,  O  Lord,  we  repent  and  are  sorry 
that  we  have  offended  Thee  ;  we  bewail  our  trans- 
gressions, beseeching  that  Thou  wilt  graciously  pity 
our  misery.  Have  compassion  on  us,  O  most  boun- 
teous God  and  Father,  and  forgive  us  all  our  sins, 
for  that  holy  passion  of  Thy  well-beloved  Son  Jesus 
Christ.  Grant  us  also  the  grace  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  we  may,  with  all  our  hearts,  study  to  know  our 
own  unrighteousness,  and  sincerely  abhor  ourselves ;. 
that  sin  may  be  mortified  in  us,  and  we  may  be  raised 
up  to  a  new  life ;  that  we  may  bring  forth  genuine 
fruits  of  holiness,  and  righteousness,  which  through 
Jesus  Christ  are  acceptable  to  Thee.  Give  us  to  under- 
stand Thy  holy  Word  according  to  Thy  divine  will, 
that  we  may  learn  thereby  to  put  our  whole  trust  in 
Thee  alone,  and  withdraw  it  from  all  creatures ;  that 
also  our  old  man,  with  all  the  affections  thereof,  may 
be  daily  more  and  more  crucified ;  and  that  we  may 
offer  up  ourselves  unto  Thee  a  living  sacrifice,  to  the 
glory  of  Thy  holy  Name,  and  to  the  edification  of 
our  neighbors;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who 
hath  taught  and  commanded  us  to  pray :  OUR 
Father,  etc. 


2$  LITURGY. 

A  PRAYER   AFTER   SERMON. 

Lord  God  Almighty,  let  not  Thy  holy  Name  be 
profaned  for  our  sins,  for  we  have  divers  ways  sinned 
against  Thee,  since  we  are  not  obedient  to  Thy  holy 
Word,  as  we  ought  to  be,  and  through  ignorance  and 
murmuring  daily  stir  up  Thine  anger  against  us ; 
wherefore  Thou  dost  justly  punish  us  ;  but,  O  Lord, 
be  mindful  of  Thy  great  mercy,  and  have  compassion 
on  us.  Give  us  knowledge  of,  and  repentance  for 
our  sins,  and  amendment  of  our  lives.  Strengthen 
the  ministers  of  Thy  Church,  that  they  may  faithfully 
and  steadfastly  declare  Thy  holy  Word;  and  the 
magistrates  of  Thy  people,  that  they  may  bear  the 
sword  with  equity  and  prudence.  Preserve  us  from 
all  deceit  and  unfaithfulness.  Confound  all  evil  and 
subtile  counsels  taken  against  Thy  Word  and  Church. 
O  Lord,  withhold  not  from  us  Thy  Spirit  and  Word, 
but  grant  us  increase  of  faith  ;  and  in  all  trouble 
and  adversity,  patience  and  constancy.  Assist  Thy 
Church;  deliver  her  from  all  affliction,  derision  and 
persecution.  Strengthen  also  the  weak  and  sorrow- 
ful of  heart,  and  send  us  Thy  peace,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  who  hath  given  us  this  sure  promise : 
Verify,  verify,  I  say  unto  you,  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask 
of  the  Father  in  my  name,  he  will  give  it  you ;  and 
hath  commanded  us  to  pray:  OUR  FATHER,  etc. 

A   PRAYER    BEFORE    THE    EXPLANATION    OF    THE 
CATECHISM. 

O  Heavenly  Father,  Thy  Word  is  perfect,  con. 
verting  the  soul ;  a  sure  testimony,  making  wise  the 
simple,  enlightening  the   eyes  of  the  blind  :  and  a 


PRAYERS.  29 

powerful  means  unto  salvation,  for  all  those  who 
believe.  And  whereas  we  are  not  only  blind  by- 
nature,  but  even  incapable  of  doing  any  good  :  and 
also  since  Thou  wilt  help  none  but  those  who  are  of 
a  broken  and  contrite  heart ;  we  beseech  Thee  to 
enlighten  our  understanding  with  Thy  Holy  Spirit, 
and  give  us  a  meek  heart,  free  from  all  haughtiness 
and  carnal  knowledge,  that  we,  hearing  Thy  Word, 
may  rightly  understand  it,  and  regulate  our  life 
accordingly.  Be  graciously  pleased  to  convert  all 
those  who  still  stray  from  Thy  truth,  that  we  may, 
together  with  them,  unanimously  serve  Thee  in 
true  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the  days  of  our 
life. 

We  crave  all  these  things  for  Christ's  sake,  who 
hath  thus  taught  us  to  pray  in  His  Name,  and  pro- 
mised to  hear  us : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  Name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  glve 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive  us 

OUR   DEBTS,  AS   WE    FORGIVE    OUR   DEBTORS :    AND 

lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil:  For  Thine  is  the  Kingdom,  and 
the  Power,  and  the  Glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 


A  prayer  after  the  explanation  of  the 
catechism. 

O  GRACIOUS  God  and  Merciful  Father,  we  give 
Thee  hearty  thanks  that  it  hath  pleased  Thee,  not 
only  to  take  us,  but  also  our  little  children,  into 
Thy   covenant,  which  Thou    hast    not  only   sealed 


30  LITURGY. 

unto  them,  by  Holy  Baptism,  but  also  daily  show- 
est,  when  Thou  perfectest  Thy  praise  out  of  their 
mouths,  thus  to  cause  the  wise  of  the  world  to 
blush.  We  beseech  Thee,  increase  Thy  grace  in 
them,  that  they  may  always  grow  and  increase  in 
Christ  Thy  Son ;  till  they  acquire  their  perfect 
manly  age  in  all  knowledge  and  righteousness. 
Give  us  grace  that  we  may  educate  them,  as  Thou 
hast  commanded  us,  in  Thy  knowledge  and  fear,  so 
that  by  their  godliness  the  kingdom  of  Satan  may 
be  destroyed,  and  the  Kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ 
strengthened  in  this  and  other  congregations,  to 
the  glory  of  Thy  Holy  Name,  and  to  their  eternal 
salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ.     AMEN. 

A   MORNING    PRAYER. 

O  Merciful  Father,  we  thank  Thee,  that  Thou 
hast  in  faithfulness  watched  over  us  the  night  past : 
and  we  beseech  Thee  to  strengthen,  and  henceforth 
guide  us  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  spend 
this,  and  all  the  days  of  our  lives,  in  all  righteous- 
ness and  holiness ;  and  that  whatsoever  we  under- 
take, we  may  always  aim  at  the  promoting  of  Thy 
glory,  and  expect  all  the  success  of  our  undertak- 
ings from  Thy  bountiful  hand  alone.  And  to  the 
end  that  we  may  obtain  this  mercy  of  Thee,  be 
pleased  (according  to  Thy  promise)  to  forgive  all 
our  sins,  through  the  holy  passion  and  blood-shed- 
ding of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  for  we 
heartily  repent  of  them.  Enlighten  also  our  hearts, 
that  we,  having  cast  off  all  works  of  darkness,  may, 
as  children  of  light,  walk  in  a  new  life  in  all  godli- 
ness.     Bless    also    the    preaching  of  Thy    Gospel. 


PRAYERS.  31 

Destroy  all  the  works  of  the  devil.  Strengthen  all 
ministers  of  the  Gospel  and  magistrates  of  Thy  peo- 
ple. Comfort  all  those  who  are  persecuted  and 
afflicted  in  mind;  through  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Beloved 
Son,  Who  hath  promised  us  that  Thou  wilt  certainly 
give  us  whatsoever  we  shall  ask  in  His  Name,  and 
therefore  hath  commanded  us  to  pray:  OUR 
Father,  etc. 

AN    EVENING   PRAYER. 

O  MERCIFUL  God,  Eternal  Light,  shining  in  dark- 
ness, Thou  who  dispellest  the  night  of  sin,  and  all 
blindness  of  heart ;  since  Thou  hast  appointed  the 
night  for  rest  and  the  day  for  labor,  we  beseech 
Thee,  grant  that  our  bodies  may  rest  in  peace  and 
quietness,  that  afterwards  they  may  be  able  to 
endure  the  labor  they  must  bear.  Temper  our 
sleep,  that  it  be  not  disorderly,  that  we  may  remain 
spotless  both  in  body  and  soul,  nay,  that  our  sleep 
itself  may  be  to  Thy  glory.  Enlighten  the  eyes  of 
our  understanding,  that  we  may  not  sleep  in  death  ; 
but  always  look  for  deliverance  from  this  misery. 
Defend  us  against  all  assaults  of  the  devil,  and  take 
us  into  Thy  holy  protection.  And  although  we 
have  not  passed  this  day  without  having  greatly 
sinned  against  Thee,  we  beseech  Thee  to  hide  our 
sins  with  Thy  great  mercy,  as  Thou  hidest  all  things 
on  earth  with  the  darkness  of  the  night,  that  we 
therefore  may  not  be  cast  out  from  Thy  presence. 
Relieve  and  comfort  all  those  who  are  afflicted  or 
distressed  in  mind,  body,  or  estate  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  Who  hath  taught  us  to  pray  :  OUR 
Father,  etc. 


32  LITURGY. 

A   PRAYER    FOR    THE    PRESIDENT    OF   THE   UNITED 
STATES   AND    ALL    IN   AUTHORITY. 

O  LORD,  our  Heavenly  Father,  the  High  and 
Mighty  Ruler  of  the  Universe,  who  dost  from  Thy 
throne  behold  all  the  dwellers  upon  earth  ;  most 
heartily  we  beseech  Thee,  with  Thy  favor  to  behold 
and  bless  Thy  servant,  The  President  of  the 
United  States,  and  all  others  in  authority ;  and 
so  replenish  them  with  the  grace  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  they  may  always  incline  to  Thy  will,  and  walk 
in  Thy  way.  Endue  them  plenteously  with  heav- 
enly gifts ;  grant  them  in  health  and  prosperity 
long  to  live  ;  and  finally,  after  this  life,  to  attain 
everlasting  joy  and  felicity ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 

A   PRAYER   FOR   ALL  CONDITIONS   OF   MEN. 

O  GOD,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  man- 
kind, we  humbly  beseech  Thee  for  all  sorts  and 
conditions  of  men ;  that  Thou  wouldest  be  pleased 
to  make  Thy  ways  known  unto  them,  Thy  saving 
health  unto  all  nations.  More  especially  we  pray 
for  Thy  Holy  Church  Universal ;  that  it  may  be  so 
guided  and  governed  by  Thy  Good  Spirit,  that  all 
who  profess  and  call  themselves  Christians  may  be 
led  into  the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in 
unity  of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in  right- 
eousness of  life.  Finally  we  commend  to  Thy  fa- 
therly goodness  all  those  who  are  any  ways  afflicted, 
or  distressed,  in  mind,  body,  or  estate;  that  it  may 
please  Thee  to  comfort  and  relieve  them,  according 
to   their  several  necessities;    giving  them  patience 


PRAYERS.  3J 

under  their  sufferings,  and  a  happy  issue  out  of  all 
their  afflictions.  And  this  we  beg  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.    Amen. 

THANKSGIVING   AFTER    HARVEST. 

We  yield  Thee  hearty  thanks,  most  merciful 
Father,  for  all  Thy  goodness,  and  especially  for  this 
Thy  bounty  again  bestowed  upon  us,  who,  through 
Thy  providence  and  tender  mercy  towards  us,  have 
now  reaped  the  fruits  of  the  earth  in  due  season, 
and  gathered  them  into  our  garners.  Continue,  we 
beseech  Thee,  Thy  loving  kindness  towards  us,  that 
year  by  year  our  land  may  yield  her  increase,  fill- 
ing our  hearts  with  food  and  gladness,  to  the  com- 
fort of  Thy  people  and  the  glory  of  Thy  Holy 
Name ;  and  so  dispose  us  by  Thy  special  grace 
preventing  us,  that  we  Thy  servants  may  never  sow 
only  to  the  flesh,  lest  of  the  flesh  we  reap  corrup- 
tion, but  may  sow  spiritually  to  life  everlasting,  and 
reap  the  same  in  Thy  heavenly  kingdom ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     AMEN. 

A   GENERAL    THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty  God,.  Father  of  all  mercies,  we,  Thine 
unworthy  servants,  do  give  Thee  most  humble  and 
hearty  thanks  for  all  Thy  goodness  and  loving-kind- 
ness to  us,  and  to  all  men.  We  bless  Thee  for  our 
creation,  preservation,  and  all  the  blessings  of  this 
life  ;  but  above  all,  for  Thine  inestimable  love  in  the 
redemption  of  the  world  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ; 
for  the  means  of  grace  and  for  the  hope  of  glory. 
And,  we  beseech  Thee,  give  us  that  due  sense  of  all 


34  LITURGY. 

Thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly 
thankful,  and  that  we  may  show  forth  Thy  praise, 
not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives  ;  by  giving 
up  ourselves  to  Thy  service,  and  by  walking  before 
Thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  our  days ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  Whom,  with  Thee 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

A  PRAYER  IN  TIME  OF  DROUGHT. 
O  God,  our  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Bountiful 
Benefactor,  Who  givest  seed-time  and  harvest,  and 
sendest  both  the  early  and  latter  rain  ;  have  pity,  we 
beseech  Thee,  upon  Thy  famished  people  who  cry 
unto  Thee  in  their  tribulation,  and  in  Thy  compas- 
sion return  and  visit  us  ;  that  the  heavens  may  no 
longer  be  as  brass  above,  and  the  earth  as  iron 
beneath,  to  shut  out  from  us  Thy  mercy ;  but  that 
all  the  people  may  praise  Thee,  O  God,  Who  art 
the  Fountain  of  living  waters  and  the  Father  of 
mercies,  from  Whom  cometh  down  every  good 
and  perfect  gift  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

a  prayer  in  time  of  pestilence. 

Holy  Lord  God  Almighty,  Who  of  old  didst  stay 
the  Angel  of  Pestilence  at  the  cry  of  Thy  repenting 
children,  and  bring  back  health  to  a  dying  people  ; 
hear  us,  Thy  suppliants,  returning  to  Thee,  as  in 
sackcloth,  dust  and  ashes,  and  mercifully  lift  from 
us  the  heavy  hand  of  Thy  righteous  visitation ; 
that  the  people  may  live  before  Thee,  and  not  die 
in  their  sins,  and  that  the  land  may  no  longer  mourn 


PRAYERS.  35 


by  reason  of  Thy  judgments,  O  Lord,  Who  for  our 
iniquities  are  justly  displeased.  We  ask  it  humbly 
in  the  Name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


FOR   FAIR   WEATHER. 

O  God  of  love  and  compassion,  Who  of  old  didst 
set  Thy  bow  in  the  cloud  for  a  token  of  a  covenant 
between  Thee  and  the  earth,  we  humble  ourselves 
before  Thee  on  account  of  our  sins,  and  acknowledge 
Thy  chastisement  to  be  just.  Yet  spare  us,  O  Lord. 
Stay  the  excess  of  rain,  and  cause  Thy  sun  to  shine, 
that,  the  hope  of  harvest  being  fulfilled,  our  barns 
may  be  stored  with  Thy  bounty,  and  our  souls 
rejoice  in  Thee.  Above  all,  O  Lord,  grant  that  the 
Sun  of  Righteousness  may  arise  upon  us  with  heal- 
ing in  His  wings,  and  Thy  people,  walking  all  the 
day  in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance,  in  Thy  right- 
eousness may  be  exalted.  Do  this,  O  Father  of 
mercies,  for  the  sake  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

for  PEACE. 

O  God  of  Peace,  Who  didst  send  unto  us  mes- 
sages of  peace  by  Thy  Son,  the  Prince  of  peace,  and 
commandest  us  to  be  at  peace  with  all  men,  we 
entreat  Thee  to  save  us  from  quarrel,  bloodshed, 
and  war.  Still  the  tumult  of  the  people  as  Thou 
dost  the  raging  of  the  sea.*     Disappoint  the  devices 

*  In  time  of  war  may  be  here  inserted  : 

Give  us  not  over  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  but  defend  us  and 
grant  us  the  victory,  which  is  in  Thine  hand. 


3.6  LITURGY. 

of  the  wicked,  and  bring  their  machinations  to 
naught.  Fill  our  hearts  and  the  hearts  of  all  men 
with  Thy  love,  so  that  we  may  dwell  in  safety  under 
the  wings  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  have  peace  with 
God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

FOR   THE  ABSENT    FROM    HOME. 

O  GOD,  Who  art  everywhere  present,  ruling  the 
sea  and  the  land,  we  entreat  Thee  for  Thy  servant 
now  absent  from  us.  Rescue  him  from  peril,  from 
sickness,  from  sin,  and  from  death.  Cover  him  as 
with  a  shield,  and  sanctify  his  experience  of  Thy 
mercy  to  his  eternal  -profit  and  joy.  In  due  time 
restore  him  to  his  home,  and  keep  him  and  us 
through  the  journey  of  this  life,  that  we  may  all 
reach  our  Father's  house  in  peace,  through  His  grace 
Who  hath  opened  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  to  all 
who  believe  in  His  Holy  Name.     Amen. 

ON   COMMENCING   A  JOURNEY. 

O  MOST  Glorious  Lord  God,  Who  of  old  didst 
lead  Thine  armies  as  with  a  pillar  of  cloud  by  day 
and  of  fire  by  night,  be  our  Leader  and  Guardian,  we 
beseech  Thee,  in  all  our  journeyings  ;  our  support  in 
setting  out  ;  our  solace  on  the  way;  our  shadow  in 
the  heat ;  our  covert  in  the  rain  and  cold  ;  the  help 
of  our  weariness  ;  the  fortress  of  our  adversity  ;  and 
our  staff  in  the  way  of  danger;  that  under  Thy 
guidance  we  may  safely  come  to  our  journey's  end, 
and  at  length  to  the  end  of  this  our  earthly  warfare 
and  pilgrimc^e;  throu£'i  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
A  MEN. 


PRAYERS.  37 

FOR   A    PERSON    GOING   TO   SEA. 

O  ETERNAL  Lord  God,  Who  alone  spreadest  out 
the  heavens,  and  rulest  the  raging  of  the  sea :  We 
commend  to  Thine  Almighty  protection  Thy  ser- 
vant, for  whose  preservation  on  the  great  deep  our 
prayers  are  desired.  Guard  him,  we  beseech  Thee, 
from  the  dangers  of  the  sea,  from  sickness,  from  the 
violence  of  enemies,  from  every  evil ;  and  conduct 
him  in  safety  to  the  haven  where  he  would  be,  with 
a  grateful  sense  of  Thy  mercies  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

A    PRAYER    FOR    SICK   AND    TEMPTED    PERSONS. 

O  ALMIGHTY,  eternal,  righteous  God,  and  merciful 
Father,  who  art  Lord  of  life  and  death,  and  with- 
out whose  will,  nothing  is  done  in  heaven  nor  in 
earth  ;  although  we  are  not  worthy  to  call  upon  Thy 
Name,  nor  to  hope  that  Thou  wilt  hear  us,  when  we 
consider  how  we  have  hitherto  employed  our  time  ; 
we  beseech  Thee  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  of  Thy 
mercy  to  look  upon  us  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ, 
who  hath  taken  all  our  infirmities  on  Himself.  We 
acknowledge  that  we  are  utterly  incapable  of  any 
good  and  prone  to  all  evil,  wherefore  we  have  justly 
merited  this  punishment,  yea,  have  deserved  much 
more.  But  Lord,  Thou  knowest  that  we  are  Thy 
people,  and  that  Thou  art  our  God  :  we  have  no 
other  refuge  than  Thy  mercy,  which  Thou  never  hast 
withheld  from  any  one  who  turned  himself  to  Thee. 
Therefore  we  beseech  Thee  not  to  impute  our  sins 
unto  us,  but  to  account  the  wisdom,  righteousness 
and   holiness   of   Jesus  Christ,  to  us,  that  we  may  in 


j8  LITURGY. 

Him  be  able  to  stand  before  Thee.  Deliver  us  for  His 
fake  from  these  sufferings,  that  the  wicked  may  not 
think  that  Thou  hast  forsaken  us.  And  if  it  is  Thy 
pleasure  longer  thus  to  try  us,  give  us  strength  and 
patience  to  bear  all  such,  according  to  Thy  will,  and 
let  all  turn  according  to  Thy  wisdom  to  our  profit. 
Rather  chastise  us  here  than  let  us  hereafter  be  lost 
with  the  world.  Grant  that  we  may  die  to  this 
world,  and  all  earthly  things,  and  that  we  may  daily 
more  and  more  be  renewed  after  the  image  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Suffer  us  not  to  be  separated  by  any  means 
from  Thy  love  ;  but  draw  us  daily  nigher  and  nigher 
unto  Thee,  that  we  may  enter  upon  the  end  of  our 
calling  with  joy ;  which  is,  to  die,  to  rise  again,  and 
to  live  with  Christ  in  eternity.  We  also  believe  that 
Thou  wilt  hear  us  through  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath 
taught  us  to  pray  :    OUR  FATHER,  etc. 

Strengthen  us  also  in  the  true  faith,  which  we 
believe  in  our  hearts  and  profess  with  our  mouths  : 
I  BELIEVE  IN  GOD,  etc. 

1  Or  This  : 

Eternal  merciful  God  and  Father,  the  eternal 
salvation  of  the  living  and  the  everlasting  life  of  the 
dying;  seeing  that  Thou  hast  death  and  life  in  Thy 
hand  alone,  and  takest  such  care  of  us  continually, 
that  neither  health  nor  sickness,  nor  any  good  or 
evil  can  befall  us — nay,  not  a  hair  can  fall  from  our 
head,  without  Thy  will ;  and  since  thou  dost  order  all 
things  for  the  good  of  Thy  people  ;  we  beseech  Thee, 
grant  us  the  grace  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  teach  us 
rightly  to  acknowledge  our  misery,  and  patiently  to 
bear  Thy  chastenings,  which  we  have  deserved  ten 


PRAYERS.  39 

thousand  times  more  severe.  We  know  that  they 
are  not  the  evidences  of  Thy  wrath,  but  of  Thy 
fatherly  love  towards  us,  that  we  should  not  be  con- 
demned with  the  world.  O  Lord,  increase  our  faith 
in  Thine  infinite  mercy,  that  we  may  be  more  and 
more  united  to  Christ,  as  members  to  their  spiritual 
Head,  to  Whom  thou  wilt  make  us  conform  in  suffer- 
ings and  in  glory.  Lighten  the  cross,  so  that  our 
weakness  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  We  submit  our- 
selves entirely  to  Thy  holy  will,  whether  Thou  art 
pleased  to  continue  our  souls  longer  in  these  taber- 
nacles, or  to  take  them  into  eternal  life,  since  we  be- 
long to  Christ,  and  therefore  shall  not  perish.  We 
would  willingly  leave  this  weak  body  in  hope  of  a 
blessed  resurrection,  when  it  shall  be  restored  to  us 
much  more  glorious.  Grant  us  to  experience  the 
blessed  comfort  of  the  remission  of  sins,  and  of  jus- 
tification through  Christ,  that  we  by  that  shield  may 
overcome  all  the  assaults  of  Satan.  May  His  inno- 
cent blood  wash  away  all  the  stain  and  uncleanness 
of  our  sins,  and  His  righteousness  answer  for  our  un- 
righteousness in  Thy  last  judgment.  Arm  us  with 
faith  and  hope,  that  we  may  not  be  ashamed  nor 
confounded  by  the  terror  of  death  ;  but  when  our 
bodily  eyes  are  closing  in  darkness,  may  the  eyes  of 
our  souls  be  directed  towards  Thee  ;  and  when  Thou 
shalt  have  deprived  us  of  the  use  of  our  tongues, 
may  our  hearts  never  cease  to  call  upon  Thee.  O 
Lord,  we  commit  our  souls  into  Thy  hands.  Forsake 
us  not  in  our  last  extremity,  and  that  only  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  taught  us  to  pray: 
Our  Father,  etc.    I  believe  in  God,  etc. 


4^  1ATC&JY. 


FOR    THE    SICK. 


0  LORD  God,  in  Whose  hand  our  breath  is; 
regard  with  tender  compassion  Thy  servant,  whom 
it  hath  pleased  Thee  to  visit  with  sickness.  Be 
graciously  near  to  him  in  the  hour  of  his  need.  Grant 
unto  him  true  repentance  for  all  his  sins,  a  firm  and 
steady  trust  in  the  merits  of  Thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ, 
and  grace  to  be  in  perfect  charity  with  all  men. 
Enable  him  to  cast  all  his  cares  on  Thee,  and  to  yield 
himself 'with  childlike  submission  to  Thy  righteous 
will. 

God  of  all  power  and  grace,  bless,  we  entreat 
Thee,  the  means  used  for  his  recovery,  rebuke  the 
violence  of  disease,  and  raise  him  up  from  his  bed 
of  pain,  that,  being  delivered  by  Thy  compassion, 
he  may  walk  before  Thee  in  newness  of  life.  But 
if,  O  Most  Wise  and  Merciful  Father,  this  sickness 
should  be  unto  death,  grant  him,  we  humbly  implore 
Thee,  a  comfortable  release  from  all  his  sufferings. 
Let  the  arms  of  Thine  everlasting  love  be  around 
him,  and,  when  flesh  and  heart  shall  fail,  be  Thou 
the  strength  of  his  heart  and  his  portion  for  evermore ; 
through  the  mediation  and  merits  of  Thy  Son,  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

FOR   A   SICK   CHILD. 

O  ALMIGHTY  God  and  Merciful  Father,  to  whom 
alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death  ;  look  down 
from  Heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  upon  this 
child,  now  lying  upon  the  bed  of  sickness.  Visit 
him,  O  Lord,  with  Thy  salvation,  deliver  him  in  Thy 
good    time    from    his    bodily   pain,    and    save    his 


PRAYERS.  41 

soul  for  Thy  mercies'  sake ;  that  if  it  shall  be  Thy 
pleasure  to  prolong  his  days  here  on  earth,  he  may 
live  to  Thee,  and  be  an  instrument  of  Thy  glory,  by 
serving  Thee  faithfully,  and  doing  good  in  his  gen- 
eration ;  or  else  receive  him  into  those  heavenly 
habitations,  where  the  souls  of  those  who  sleep  in 
the  Lord  Jesus  enjoy  perpetual  rest  and  felicity. 
Grant  this,  O  Lord,  for  Thy  mercies'  sake,  in  the 
Name  of  Thy  Son,  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  liv- 
eth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.    Amen. 


FOR  GRACE  TO  USE  ARIGHT  THE  WORD. 

Blessed  Lord,  Who  hast  caused  all  Holy  Scrip, 
tures  to  be  written  for  our  learning;  grant  that  we 
may  in  such  wise  hear  them,  read,  mark,  learn,  and 
inwardly  digest  them,  that  by  patience  and  com- 
fort of  Thy  Holy  Word  we  may  embrace  and  ever 
hold  fast  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life  which 
Thou  hast  given  us  in  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

for  forgiveness. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  Who  hatest 
nothing  that  Thou  hast  made,  and  dost  forgive  the 
sins  of  all  those  who  are  penitent ;  Create  and  make 
in  us  new  and  contrite  hearts,  that  we,  worthily 
lamenting  our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our  wretched- 
ness, may  obtain  of  Thee,  the  God  of  all  mercy,  per- 
feet  remission  and  forgiveness;  through  Jesus  Christ 
uur  Lord.    Amen. 


LITURGY. 


FOR  PROTECTION. 


ALMIGHTY  God,  Who  seest  that  we  have  no  power 
of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves:  Keep  us  both  out- 
wardly in  our  bodies  and  inwardly  in  our  souls; 
that  we  may  be  defended  from  all  adversities 
which  may  endanger  the  body,  and  from  all  evil 
thoughts  which  may  assault  and  hurt  the  soul ;  and 
as  we  have  received  how  we  ought  to  walk  and 
please  Thee,  so  may  we  abound  more  and  more; 
through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

AT  THE  CHRISTMAS  SEASON. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  give  us  grace  that  we  may  cast  away 
the  works  of  darkness,  and  put  upon  us  the  armor  of 
light,  now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life,  in  which 
Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  came  to  visit  us  with  great 
humility :  that  in  the  last  day,  when  He  shall  come 
again  in  His  glorious  Majesty  to  judge  both  the 
quick  and  the  dead,  we  may  rise  to  the  life  immortal : 
through  Him  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  now  and  ever.     Amen. 

O  LORD,  Who  hast  given  us  cause  of  perpetual 
joy  by  the  coming  of  Thy  Son  our  Saviour  among 
us :  Raise  up  Thy  Power,  we  pray  Thee,  and  pos- 
sess us  with  a  mighty  sense  of  Thy  wonderful  love; 
that  whereas  through  the  cares  of  this  life  we  are 
sorely  let  and  hindered  in  running  the  race  that  is 
set  before  us,  we  may  be  careful  for  nothing,  but 
thankfully  commending  ourselves  in  everything  to 
Thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy,  the  peace  of  Thee, 


PRAYERS.  43 

our  Godi  which  passeth  all  understanding,  may  keep 
our  hearts  and  minds,  through  the  satisfaction 
of  Thy  Son  our  Lord  ;  to  Whom,  with  Thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

AT  THE   EASTER  SEASON. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  Who  hast  given  Thine  only  Son 
to  be  unto  us  both  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  and  also  an 
example  of  godJy  life :  Give  us  grace  that  we  may 
always  most  thankfully  receive  that  His  most  inesti- 
mable benefit  ;  and  also  daily  endeavor  to  follow  the 
blessed  steps  of  His  most  holy  life ;  that  dying  unto 
sin,  and  living  unto  righteousness,  we  may  at  last 
obtain  eternal  life :  Through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Blessed  Lord,  Whose  Only  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ  hath  once  suffered  for  our  sins,  the  just  for 
the  unjust,  that  He  might  bring  us  to  Thee  our  God: 
We  beseech  Thee,  that  as  we  are  baptized  into  His 
death,  so  by  continually  mortifying  our  corrupt 
affections  we  may  be  buried  with  Him ;  and  at  last 
through  the  grave,  and  gate  of  death,  pass  to  our 
joyful  resurrection  :  For  His  merits,  Who  died,  and 
was  buried,  and  rose  again,  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.    Amen. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  Who  of  Thy 
tender  love  towards  mankind  hast  sent  Thy  Son,  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  take  upon  Him  our  flesh,  and 
that  in  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  to  suffer  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  Cross,  for  our  redemption,  and 


44  LITURGY. 

that  we  should  follow  the  example  of  His  great  humil- 
ity, patience,  and  obedience  :  Mercifully  grant  that 
this  mind  may  be  in  us  which  was  also  in  Christ 
Jesus,  that  we  may  both  follow  the  example  of  His 
humble  obedience  and  patient  suffering,  and  also  be 
made  partakers  of  His  glorious  resurrection,  to  live 
with  Thee  forever.  Grant  this  for  the  sake  of  Thy 
Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

AT  THE  SEASON  OF  PENTECOST. 

O  GOD  the  King  of  Glory,  Who  hast  exalted 
Thine  only  Son  Jesus  Christ  with  great  triumph 
unto  Thy  Kingdom  in  heaven  ;  We  beseech  Thee, 
leave  us  not  comfortless ;  but  send  to  us  Thy  Holy 
Ghost  to  comfort  us,  and  exalt  us  unto  the  same 
place  whither  our  Saviour  Christ  is  gone  before  ;  Who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
One  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

God  of  all  peace  and  consolation,  Who  didst  glo- 
riously fulfil  the  great  promise  of  the  Gospel,  by 
sending  down  Thy  Holy  Ghost  on  the  day  of  Pen- 
tecost, to  establish  the  Church  as  the  home  of  His 
continual  presence  and  power  among  men  ;  merci 
fully  grant  unto  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  this  same  gift 
of  the  Spirit,  to  renew,  illuminate,  refresh,  and  sanc- 
tify our  dying  souls,  to  be  over  us  and  around  us  like 
the  light  and  dew  of  heaven,  and  to  be  in  us  ever- 
more as  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  everlasting 
life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  Whom,  with 
Thee,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  One  God,  be  honor 
and  glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


PRAYERS.  45 

EUCHARISTIC    PRAYER. 

The  Constitution  of  the  Church  directs  that  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  "  after  the  sermon  and  usual  prayers  are  ended,  the  Form  for  the  admin- 
istration of  the  Lord's  Supper  shall  be  read,  and  a  prayer  suited  to  the  occasion 
shall  be  offered,  before  the  members  participate  of  the  ordinance." 

The  following  is  submitted  as  a  suitable   prayer,  which  may  be  used  in  compliance 
with  this  direction. 

It  is  very  meet  and  right,  above  all  things,  to 
give  thanks  unto  Thee,  O  Eternal  God :  Who,  by 
Thy  word,  didst  create  heaven  and  earth,  and  all 
things  therein.  For  all  Thy  bounties  known  to  us, 
for  all  unknown,  we  give  Thee  thanks ;  but  chiefly, 
that  when,  through  disobedience,  we  had  fallen  from 
Thee,  Thou  didst  not  suffer  us  to  depart  from  Thee 
forever,  but  hast  ransomed  us  from  eternal  death,  and 
given  us  the  joyful  hope  of  everlasting  life,  through 
Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son;  Who,  being  Very  and  Eternal 
God.  became  Man  for  us  men,  and  for  our  salvation. 

Not  as  we  ought,  but  as  we  are  able,  we  bless 
Thee  for  His  holy  incarnation ;  for  His  life  on  earth ; 
for  His  precious  sufferings  and  death  upon  the 
cross;  for  His  resurrection  from  the  dead;  and  for 
His  glorious  ascension  to  Thy  right  hand. 

We  bless  Thee  for  the  giving  of  the  Holy  Ghost; 
for  the  sacraments  and  ordinances  of  the  Church; 
for  the  communion  of  Christ's  Body  and  Blood ;  for 
the  great  hope  of  everlasting  life,  and  of  an  eternal 
weight  of  glory. 

Thee,  Mighty  God,  Heavenly  King,  we  magnify 
and  praise.  With  angels  and  archangels,  and  all  the 
hosts  of  heaven,  we  worship  and  adore  Thy  glorious 
Name,  joining  in  the  song  of  Cherubim  and  Sera- 
phim, and  saying: — 


46  LITURGY. 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  of  Sabaoth, 
heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  thy  glory, 
hosanna  in  the  highest.  blessed  is  he  that 
cometh  in  the  name  of  the  lord.  hosanna 
in  the  highest. 

And  we  most  humbly  beseech  Thee,  O  Merciful 
Father,  to  vouchsafe  unto  us  Thy  gracious  pres- 
ence, as  we  commemorate  in  this  Supper  the  most 
blessed  sacrifice  of  Thy  Son;  and  to  bless  and 
sanctify  with  Thy  Word  and  Spirit  these  Thine  own 
gifts  of  bread  and  wine  which  we  set  before  Thee  ; 
that  we,  receiving  them,  according  to  our  Saviour's 
institution,  in  thankful  remembrance  of  His  death 
and  passion,  may,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  very  partakers  of  His  body  and  blood, 
with  all  His  benefits,  to  our  salvation  and  the  glory 
of  Thy  Most  Holy  Name. 

And  here  we  offer  and  present  to  Thee,  O  Lord, 
ourselves,  our  souls  and  bodies,  to  be  a  reasonable, 
holy,  and  living  sacrifice  unto  Thee;  humbly  be- 
seeching Thee  that  all  who  are  partakers  of  this 
Holy  Communion,  may  be  filled  with  Thy  grace  and 
heavenly  benediction.  And  although  we  be  un- 
worthy, through  our  manifold  sins,  to  offer  unto 
Thee  any  sacrifice,  yet  we  beseech  Thee  to  accept 
this  our  bounden  duty  and  service;  not  weighing 
our  merits,  but  pardoning  our  offences,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

And  rejoicing  in  the  communion  of  Thy  saints,  we 
bless  Thy  Holy  Name  for  all  Thy  servants  who 
have  departed  in  the  faith,  and  who,  having  accom- 
plished their  warfare,  are  at  rest  with  Thee;  be- 
seeching Thee  to  enable  us  so  to  follow  their  faith 


PRAYERS.  47 

and  good  example,  that  we  with  them  may  finally 
be  partakers  of  Thy  heavenly  Kingdom :  when, 
made  like  unto  Christ,  we  shall  behold  Him  with 
unveiled  face,  rejoicing  in  His  glory,  and  by  Him 
we,  with  all  Thy  Church,  holy  and  unspotted,  shall 
be  presented  with  exceeding  joy  before  the  presence 
of  Thy  glory.  Hear  us,  0  Heavenly  Father,  for 
His  sake :  to  Whom,  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

A  PRAYER  AT  THE  OPENING  OF  THE  CONSISTORY. 

Heavenly  Father,  Eternal  and  Merciful  God,  it 
hath  pleased  Thee  of  Thy  infinite  wisdom  and  good- 
ness to  gather  a  Church  to  Thyself  out  of  all  nations 
upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  by  the  preaching  of  Thy 
Holy  Gospel,  and  to  govern  the  same  by  the  service 
of  men.  Thou  hast  also  graciously  called  us  up  to  this 
office,  and  commanded  us  to  take  heed  unto  our- 
selves and  unto  the  flock,  which  Christ  hath  bought 
with  His  precious  blood.  Since  we  are  at  this 
present  assembled  in  Thy  Holy  Name,  after  the  ex- 
ample of  the  Apostolic  Churches,  to  consult,  as  our 
office  requires,  about  those  things  which  may  come 
before  us,  for  the  welfare  and  edification  of  Thy 
Church,  for  which  we  acknowledge  ourselves  to  be 
unfit  and  incapable,  as  we  are  by  nature  unable  of 
ourselves  to  think  any  good,  much  less  to  put  it  in 
practice :  therefore,  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Faithful 
God  and  Father,  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  to  be 
present  with  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  according  to  Thy 
promise,  in  the  midst  of  our  present  assembly,  to 
guide  us  into  all  truth.     Remove  from  us  all  misap- 


48  LITURGY. 

prehensions  and  unbecoming  desires  of  the  flesh, 
and  grant  that  Thy  Holy  Word  may  be  the  only 
rule  and  guide  ol  all  our  consultations;  that  they 
may  tend  to  the  glory  of  Thy  Name,  to  the  edifica- 
tion of  Thy  Church,  and  to  the  discharge  of  our  own 
consciences,  through  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  who 
with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Only  True  God, 
is  eternally  to  be  praised  and  magnified.     Amen. 


A  PRAYER  AT  THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  CONSISTORY. 

O  LORD  GOD  and  Heavenly  Father,  we  heartily 
thank  Thee,  that  Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  gather 
a  Church  to  Thyself  in  this  part  of  the  world,  and 
to  use  our  services  therein,  granting  us  the  privilege 
that  we  may  freely  and  without  hindrance  preach 
Thy  Holy  Gospel,  and  exercise  all  the  duties  of  god- 
liness. Moreover,  we  thank  Thee,  that  Thou  now 
hast  been  present  with  Thy  Holy  Spirit  in  the  midst 
of  this  our  assembly,  directing  our  determinations 
according  to  Thy  will,  uniting  our  hearts  in  mutual 
peace  and  concord.  We  beseech  Thee,  O  Faithful 
God  and  Father,  that  Thou  wilt  graciously  be 
pleased  to  bless  our  intended  labor,  and  effectually 
to  execute  Thy  begun  work ;  always  gathering  unto 
Thyself  a  true  Church,  and  preserving  the  same  in 
the  pure  doctrine,  and  in  the  right  use  of  Thy  Holy 
Sacraments,  and  in  a  diligent  exercise  of  discipline. 
On  the  contrary,  destroy  all  evil  and  crafty  counsels, 
which  are  devised  against  Thy  Word  and  Church. 
Strengthen  also  all  the  Ministers  of  Thy  Church, 
that  they  may  faithfully  and  steadfastly  declare  Thy 
Holy  Word :    and  the   Magistrates  of    Thy  people. 


PRAYERS.  49 

that,  rhey  may  bear  the  sword  with  righteousness 
and  discretion.  Particularly  we  pray  for  those 
whom  Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  put  in  authority 
over  153.  Grant  that  their  whole  government  may 
be  thus  directed,  that  the  King  of  all  kings  may 
rule  over  them  and  their  fellow-citizens ;  and  that 
the  kingdom  of  the  devil  (which  is  a  kingdom  of 
scandal  and  reproach)  may  daily  more  and  more  be 
destroyed  and  brought  to  naught  by  them  as  Thy 
servants,  and  that  we  may  lead  with  them  a  quiet 
and  peaceable  life,  in  all  godliness  and  honesty. 
Hear  us,  O  God  and  Father,  through  Jesus  Christ 
Thy  Beloved  Son,  Who  with  Thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  Only  and  True  God,  is  eternally  to  be 
magnified  and  praised.     Amen. 


A  PRAYER  AT  THE  MEETING  OF  THE  DEACONS. 

MERCIFUL  God  and  Father,  Thou  hast  not  only 
said  unto  us  that  we  should  always  have  the  poor 
with  us,  but  hast  also  commanded  that  they 
should  be  assisted  ;  and  for  that  end  hast  ordained 
the  service  of  Deacons  in  Thy  Church,  by  whom 
they  might  be  relieved.  As  we,  who  are  called  to 
the  office  of  Deacons  in  this  congregation,  are  here 
at  present  met  in  Thy  Name,  to  consult  together 
concerning  our  ministry;  therefore  we  humbly  be- 
seech Thee,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  Thou 
wilt  be  pleased  to  endue  us  with  the  spirit  of  dis- 
cretion ;  to  the  end  that  we  may  rightly  discern  who 
are  really  poor  and  who  are  not :  and  that  we  may. 
with  all  cheerfulness  and  fidelity,  distribute  the  alms 
collected  by  us  to  every  one  according  to  his   neces- 


50  LITURGY. 

sity ;  not  leaving  the  indigent  members  of  Thy 
Beloved  Son  comfortless,  neither  giving  to  those 
who  are  not  in  want.  Kindle  within  the  hearts  of 
men  an  ardent  love  towards  the  poor,  that  they 
may  liberally  give  of  their  temporal  goods,  of  which 
Thou  hast  made  them  stewards :  and  that  we,  having 
the  means  in  hand  to  assist  the  indigent,  may  faith- 
fully, without  vexation,  and  with  a  free  heart,  per- 
form our  office.  Grant  us  the  talents  to  comfort 
the  miserable,  not  only  with  the  external  gift,  but 
also  with  Thy  Holy  Word.  And  since  man  doth  not 
live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that  pro 
ceedeth  out  of  Thy  mouth,  be  pleased  therefore  to 
extend  Thy  blessing  over  our  distributions,  and  in- 
crease the  bread  of  the  poor,  that  both  we  and  they 
may  have  reason  to  praise  and  thank  Thee  :  expect- 
ing the  blessed  coming  of  Thy  Beloved  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  Who  became  poor  for  our  sakes,  to  make  us 
rich  in  eternity.     Amen. 

A  PRAYER  ON  THE  LORD'S  DAY,  AFTER  SERMON. 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  we  acknowledge  in 
ourselves,  and  confess  before  Thee,  as  the  truth  is, 
that  we  are  not  worthy  to  lift  up  our  eyes  towards 
heaven,  and  to  present  our  prayers  before  Thee,  if 
Thou  shouldst  respect  our  merits  and  worthiness : 
for  our  consciences  accuse  us,  and  our  sins  bear  wit- 
ness against  us.  We  also  know  that  Thou  art  a  right- 
eous  Judge,  punishing  the  sins  of  those  who  trans- 
gress Thy  commandments.  But,  O  Lord,  since  Thou 
hast  commanded  us  to  call  upon  Thee  in  all  times 
of   necessity,    and    hast    of    Thine    ineffable    mercy 


PRAYERS.  5 1 

promised  to  hear  our  prayers,  not  because  of  our 
merits,  which  are  none,  but  for  the  merits  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  whom  Thou  hast  appointed  to  be  our 
Mediator  and  Advocate ;  therefore,  we  forsake  all 
other  help,  and  take  our  refuge  in  Thy  mercy  alone. 

Especially,  O  Lord,  besides  the  innumerable  ben- 
efits, which  Thou  showest  to  all  mankind  in  general 
on  earth,  Thou  hast  in  particular  bestowed  manifold 
favors  on  us,  which  we  are  not  able  to  comprehend 
or  express  :  for  Thou  hast  delivered  us  from  the 
woful  slavery  of  the  devil,  and  all  idolatry  wherein 
we  were  held,  and  hast  brought  us  to  the  light  of 
Thy  truth,  and  to  the  knowledge  of  Thy  Holy  Gos- 
pel. On  the  contrary,  we  have  by  our  ingratitude 
been  regardless  of  these  Thy  benefits.  We  have 
departed  from  Thee,  and  have  followed  our  own 
devices,  not  honoring  Thee  as  was  our  bounden  duty 
to  do.  Thus,  O  Lord,  have  we  grievously  sinned^ 
and  highly  offended  Thee,  and  can  expect  nothing 
else  than  everlasting  death  and  damnation,  if  Thou 
shouldst  deal  with  us  according  to  our  deserts.  Yea, 
we  also  perceive,  O  Lord,  by  the  chastisement  which 
Thou  daily  art  inflicting  on  us,  that  Thou  art  justly 
displeased  with  us  ;  for  since  Thou  art  just,  Thou 
wilt  punish  no  man  without  cause :  and  we  also  see 
Thine  hand  stretched  out  further  to  punish  us.  But 
though  Thou  shouldst  punish  us  more  severely  than 
Thou  hast  hitherto  done  ;  nay,  though  all  the  plagues 
fell  upon  us,  wherewith  Thou  didst  visit  the  sins  of 
Thy  people  Israel,  we  must  still  confess  that  Thou 
wouldst  do  us  no  injustice. 

But,  O  Lord,  Thou  art   our   God,  and   we  are  but 
dust  and   ashes  ;  Thou   art   our  Creator,  and  we  are 


52  LITURGY. 

Thy  handy  work ;  Thou  art  our  Shepherd,  and  we 
are  Thy  sheep  ;  Thou  art  our  Redeemer,  and  we  are 
those  whom  Thou  hast  redeemed ;  Thou  art  our 
Father,  and  we  are  Thy  children  and  heirs.  There- 
fore, do  not  punish  us  in  Thine  anger,  but  chastise 
us  mercifully,  and  preserve  that  work,  which  Thou 
hast  of  Thy  mercy  begun  in  us ;  that  the  whole 
world  may  know  and  acknowledge  Thee  to  be  our 
God  and  Saviour.  Thy  people  Israel  frequently 
offended  Thee,  and  Thou  didst  justly  punish  them; 
but  as  oft  as  they  turned  themselves  again  to  Thee, 
Thou  didst  always  mercifully  receive  them  into  favor. 
And  though  their  sins  and  transgressions  were  ever 
so  great,  Thou  didst  always  avert  Thy  wrath  and 
punishment  prepared  for  them,  by  reason  of  the 
Covenant  which  Thou  hadst  made  with  Thy  servants, 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob ;  so  that  Thou  never 
hast  refused  to  hear  the  prayers  of  Thy  people. 
And  we  have  of  Thy  mercy  even  that  same  Covenant, 
which  Thou  hast  erected  in  the  hand  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Mediator,  between  Thee  and  all  believers  :  nay, 
it  is  now  more  glorious  and  efficacious,  since  Christ 
hath  ratified  and  confirmed  the  same  by  His  holy 
suffering  and  death,  and  entrance  into  His  glory. 
Therefore,  O  Lord,  forsaking  ourselves  and  all  human 
assistance,  we  fly  for  succor  to  this  blessed  Covenant 
of  Grace,  by  means  whereof  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
having  offered  His  body  once  on  the  cross  as  a  per- 
fect sacrifice  for  us,  hath  reconciled  us  to  Thee 
for  ever  Therefore,  O  Lord,  look  upon  the  face  of 
Thine  anointed,  and  not  on  our  sins,  that  Thine  anger 
may  be  appeased  by  His  intercession:  and  cause 
Thy  face  to  shine  on  us,  to  our  joy  and  salvation. 


PRAYERS.  53 

Take  us  henceforth  into  Thy  Holy  guidance  and 
protection,  and  govern  us  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  Who, 
daily  more  and  more  mortifying  our  flesh  with  all  its 
lusts,  renews  us  to  a  better  life,  and  produces  in  us 
fruits  of  true  faith  ;  that  hereby  Thy  Name  may  be 
glorified  and  praised  to  all  eternity ;  and  that  we, 
despising  all  transitory  things,  may,  with  an  ardent 
desire,  fix  our  thoughts  only  on  things  heavenly. 

And  inasmuch  as  it  is  Thy  pleasure  that  we  should 
pray  for  all  mankind,  we  beseech  Thee  to  extend 
Thy  blessing  on  the  doctrine  of  Thy  Holy  Gospel, 
that  it  may  be  preached  and  accepted  everywhere  ; 
that  the  whole  world  may  be  filled  with  Thy  saving 
knowledge ;  that  the  ignorant  may  be  converted, 
the  weak  strengthened  ;  that  every  one,  not  only  in 
word,  but  also  in  deed,  may  magnify  and  sanctify 
Thy  Holy  Name.  Send  forth,  for  this  end,  faithful 
laborers  into  Thy  harvest  :  and  also  replenish  them 
with  Thy  grace,  that  they  may  faithfully  serve  before 
Thee.  On  the  contrary,  utterly  destroy  all  false 
teachers,  ravenous  wolves,  and  hirelings,  who  seek 
their  own  honor  and  advantage,  and  not  the  glory 
of  Thy  Holy  Name,  nor  the  welfare  and  salvation  of 
souls.  Be  also  pleased  graciously  to  preserve  and 
govern  all  Thy  Christian  Churches,  spread  over  the 
face  of  the  earth,  in  unity  of  true  faith,  and  in  god- 
liness of  life,  that  Thy  kingdom  may  daily  increase, 
and  that  of  Satan  be  destroyed,  till  Thy  kingdom  is 
perfected,  when  Thou  shalt  be  all  in  all. 

Particularly  we  pray  for  the  United  States  of 
America.  Keep  them  under  Thy  Holy  protection; 
prosper  them  in  their  agriculture,  manufactures, 
commerce,  and   literature;   and    let   their  civil    and 


54  LITURGY. 

religious  rights  be  preserved  inviolate  to  the  latest 
posterity. 

Bless  and  long  preserve  Thy  servant,  the  President 
of  the  United  States.  Bless  the  Vice-President ;  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  when  in  Con- 
gress assembled.  Bless  all  who  are  placed  in  author- 
ity throughout  the  States,  and  especially  in  the  State 
wherein  we  reside  ;  the  Governor,  the  Magistrates, 
and  all  others  entrusted  with  powers,  either  legis- 
lative or  executive.  Replenish  them  all  with  Thy 
grace  and  heavenly  gifts,  each  in  the  respective  call- 
ing and  state  wherein  Thou  hast  placed  him,  that 
they  may  wisely  govern  and  strenuously  protect  the 
people  whom  Thou  hast  committed  to  their  care, 
faithfully  defend  Thy  worship,  and  rightly  administer 
justice.  Preside  with  Thy  Holy  Spirit  in  their  assem- 
blies, that  in  all  cases  they  may  resolve  nothing 
but  what  is  good  and  becoming,  and  let  the  laws  be 
happily  executed  ;  that  these  United  States  being 
preserved  from  all  enemies,  the  evil  doers  punished, 
and  the  just  protected,  Thy  Name  thereby  may  be 
praised,  and  the  kingdom  of  the  King  of  kings, 
Christ  Jesus,  promoted  :  and  that  we  may  lead  a 
quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty. 

Moreover,  we  pray  for  our  brethren  who  are  under 
persecution  of  tyranny.  Comfort  them  with  Thy 
Holy  Spirit  and  mercifully  deliver  them.  Suffer  not 
Thy  Church  wholly  to  be  destroyed,  nor  the  remem- 
brance of  Thy  Name  to  be  abolished  from  the  face 
of  the  earth,  lest  the  enemies  of  Thy  truth  triumph, 
to  the  dishonoring  and  blaspheming  of  Thy  Name. 
But  if  it  is  Thy  divine  will,  that  the  suffering  Chris- 
tians should  die  for  the  glory  of  Thy  Name,  and  by 


PftAYEaS. 


55 


their  death,  witness  unto  the  truth,  comfort  them  in 
their  sufferings,  that  they,  considering  them  as  com- 
ing from  Thy  fatherly  hand,  may  therefore,  doing 
Thy  will,  remain  steadfast,  whether  in  life  or  death  ; 
to  Thy  glory,  to  the  edification  of  Thy  Church,  and 
to  their  salvation.  We  likewise  beseech  Thee  for 
all  those  whom  Thou  dost  afflict,  with  poverty,  im- 
prisonment, sickness  of  body,  or  trouble  of  mind. 
Comfort  them  all,  O  Lord,  according  to  their  several 
necessities.  Grant  that  their  chastisement  may 
bring  them  to  the  knowledge  of  their  sins,  and  to 
an  amendment  of  their  lives.  Give  them  also 
firm  patience  ;  alleviate  their  sufferings  ;  and  finally 
deliver  them,  that  they  may  rejoice  in  Thy  goodness 
and  eternally  praise  Thy  Name. 

And  now,  O  Lord,  take  us,  together  with  all  that 
belongs  to  or  concerns  us,  in  Thy  keeping.  Grant 
that  we  may  live  in  our  respective  callings  according 
to  Thy  will,  and  so  use  the  gifts  which  we  receive  of 
Thy  blessing,  that  they  may  not  impede,  but  rather 
further  us  to  life  eternal.  Strengthen  us  in  all  temp- 
tations, that  we,  striving  in  true  faith,  may  overcome, 
and  hereafter  enjoy,  with  Christ,  life  eternal. 

We  ask  Thee  for  all  these  things,  as  our  faithful 
Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ  Himself  hath  taught 
us :  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  Name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  ;  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven: 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  for- 
give us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors  ; 
and  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil  :  For  Thine  is  the  Kingdom,  and 
the  Power,  and  the  Glory,  for  ever..    Amen. 


5^  LSTUHOT. 


IV. 

The  Creeds. 


THE  APOSTLES'  CREED. 

I  BELIEVE  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker 
of  heaven  and  earth  ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  Only  Son  our  Lord ; 
Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate, 
was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  He  descended  into 
hell*  ,•  the  third  day  He  rose  again  from  the  dead; 
He  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right 
hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  He 
shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

i  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church,  the  communion  of  saints;  the  forgiveness 
of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body  ;  and  the  life 
everlasting.     Amen. 


THE  CONFESSION  OF   FAITH, 

COMPOSED  IN  THB  COUNCIL  OP  NICK,  A.  D.,  39& 

We  believe  in  one  God,  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  of  all  things 
visible  and  invisible  ; 

And  in  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Only  Begotten 
Son   of  God,   begotten   of   his   Father,   before    all 


Inscead  of  the  word  Hell  may  be  used  the  word  Hades. 


THE   CREEDS.  57 

worlds ;  God,  of  God,  Light,  of  Light,  very  God,  of 
very  God  ;  begotten,  not  made,  being  of  one  sub- 
stance with  the  Father,  by  Whom  all  things  were 
made  :  Who,  for  us  men  and  for  our  salvation,  came 
down  from  heaven,  and  was  incarnate  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  of  the  Virgin  Mary  ;  and  was  made  Man  ;  and 
was  crucified  also  for  us  under  Pontius  Pilate.  He 
suffered  and  was  buried  ;  and  the  third  day  He 
arose  again  according  to  the  Scriptures ;  and  as- 
cended into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand 
of  the  Father.  And  He  shall  come  again,  with 
glory,  to  judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead  ;  Whose 
kingdom  shall  have  no  end. 

And  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  Who  spake  by  the  pro- 
phets. And  one  holy  Catholic  and  Apostolic 
Church.  We  acknowledge  one  baptism  for  the  re- 
mission of  sins ;  and  we  look  for  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead,  and  the  life  of  the  world  to  come. 
Amen. 


THE   CREED   OF  ATHANASIUS,   A.  D.   333. 

i.  Whosoever  will  be  saved,  before  all  things  it 
is  necessary  that  he  hold  the  Catholic  taith. 

2.  Which  faith,  except  one  do  keep  whole  and 
undefiled,  without  doubt  he  shall  perish  everlast- 
ingly. 

3.  The  Catholic  faith  is  this,  that  we  worship  one 
God  in  Trinity,  and  Trinity  in  Unity ; 

4.  Neither  confounding  the  Persons  nor  dividing 
the  substance. 

5.  For  there  is  one  person  of  the  Father,  another 
of  the  Son,  and  another  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


5  8  LITURGY. 

6.  But  the  Godhead  of  the  Father,  of  the  Sou, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  all  one;  the  Glory  equal, 
and  the  Majesty  coeternal. 

7.  Such  as  the  Father  is,  such  is  the  Son,  and 
such  is  the  Holy  Ghost. 

8.  The  Father  uncreated,  the  Son  uncreated,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  uncreated. 

9  The  Father  incomprehensible,  and  the  Son  in- 
comprehensible, and  the  Holy  Ghost  incompre- 
hensible. 

10.  The  Father  eternal,  the  Son  eternal,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  eternal : 

11.  And  yet  they  are  not  three  Eternals;  but  one 
Eternal. 

12.  As  aUo  there  are  not  three  Incomprehensi- 
bles,  nor  three  Uncreated ;  but  one  Uncreated,  and 
one  Incomprehensible. 

13.  So  likewise  the  Father  is  Almighty,  the  Son 
Almighty,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  Almighty. 

14.  And  yet  they  are  not  three  Almighties,  but 
one  Almighty. 

15.  So  the  Father  is  God,  the  Son  is  God,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  is  God. 

16.  And  yet  there  are  not  three  Gods,  but  one 
God. 

17.  So  likewise  the  Father  is  Lord,  the  son  Lord, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost  Lord. 

18.  And  yet  they  are  not  three  Lords,  but  one 
Lord. 

19.  For,  as  we  are  compelled  by  the  Christian 
truth  to  acknowledge  each  Person  by  Himself  to 
be  God  and  Lord. 


THE    CREEDS.  59 

20.  So  we  are  forbidden  by  the  Catholic  faith,  to 
say,  there  be  three  Gods,  or  three  Lords. 

21.  The  Father  is  made  of  none,  neither  created 
nor  begotten. 

22.  The  Son  is  of  the  Father  alone,  not  made, 
nor  created,  but  begotten. 

23.  The  Holy  Ghost  is  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  neither  made,  nor  created,  nor  begotten,  but 
proceeding. 

24.  So  there  is  one  Father,  not  three  Fathers ; 
one  Son,  not  three  Sons  ;  one  Holy  Ghost,  not 
three  Holy  Ghosts : 

25.  And  in  this  Trinity,  there  is  not  first  nor  last. 

26.  But  the  whole  three  Persons  are  coeternal  to- 
gether, and  coequal. 

27.  So  that  in  all  things,  as  it  is  aforesaid,  the 
Unity  in  Trinity,  and  Trinity  in  Unity  is  to  be 
worshipped. 

28.  He  therefore  that  will  be  saved,  must  thus 
i.hink  of  the  Trinity. 

29.  Furthermore,  it  is  necessary  to  everlasting 
salvation,  that  he  also  believe  rightly  the  Incarna- 
tion of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

30.  For  the  right  faith  is,  that  we  believe  and 
confess,  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of 
God,  is  God  and  Man : 

31.  God  of  the  substance  of  the  Father,  begot- 
ten before  the  world  :  and  Man  of  the  Substance 
of  his  Mother,  born  in  time : 

32.  Perfect  God  and  perfect  Man.  having  a  rea- 
sonable Soul  and  a  human  Body  : 

33.  Equal  to  the  Father,  according  to  his  God- 


60  LITURGY. 

head :  and  inferior  to  the   Father  as  to  his   Man- 
hood : 

34.  Who,  although  He  be  God  and  Man,  yet  He 
is  not  two  but  one  Christ : 

35.  One,  not  by  conversion  of  the  Godhead  into 
flesh,  but  by  taking  of  the  Manhood  into  God. 

36.  He  is  not  one  by  mixture  of  Substance,  but 
Dy  unity  of  Person. 

37.  For  the  reasonable  soul  and  flesh  is  one  Man ; 
so  God  and  Man  is  one  Christ : 

38.  Who  suffered  for  our  salvation,  descended 
into  hell,  rose  again  the  third  day  from  the  dead  ; 

39.  He  ascended  into  heaven,  sits  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  the  Father  Almighty  : 

40.  From  whence  He  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead. 

41.  At  Whose  coming  all  men  shall  rise  again 
with  their  bodies ; 

42.  And  shall  give  account  for  their  own  works. 

43.  And  they  that  have  done  good  shall  go  into 
life  everlasting ;  and  they  that  have  done  evil,  into 
everlasting  fire. 

44.  This  is  the  Catholic  Faith,  which  except  a 
man  believe  faithfully,  he  cannot  be  saved. 


BAPTISM.  6 1 


V. 

The  Administration  of  Baptism. 


The  principal  parts  of  the  doctrine  of  Holy  Bap- 
tism are  these  three : 

First.  That  we  with  our  children  are  conceived 
and  born  in  sin,  and  therefore  are  children  of  wrath, 
insomuch  that  we  cannot  enter  into  the  Kingdom 
of  God,  except  we  are  born  again.  This,  the  dip- 
ping in  or  sprinkling  with  water  teaches  us,  whereby 
the  impurity  of  our  souls  is  signified,  and  we  are  ad- 
monished to  loathe  and  humble  ourselves  before  God, 
and  seek  for  our  purification  and  salvation  without 
ourselves. 

Secondly.  Holy  Baptism  witnesseth  and  sealeth 
unto  us  the  zv  as  J  ring  away  of  our  sins,  through  Jesus 
Christ.  Therefore  we  are  baptized  IN  THE  NAME 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  For  when  we  are  baptized  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  God  the  Father  witnesseth 
and  sealeth  unto  us,  that  He  doth  make  an  eternal 
covenant  of  grace  with  us,  and  adopts  us  for  His 
children  and  heirs,  and  therefore  will  provide  us 
with  every  good  thing,  and  avert  all  evil  or  turn  it 
to  our  profit.  And  when  we  are  baptized  in  the 
name  of  the  SON,  the  Son  sealeth  unto  us  that  He 
doth  wash  us  in  His  blood  from  all  our  sins,  incor- 


62  LITURGY. 

porating  us  into  the  fellowship  of  His  death  and 
resurrection,  so  that  we  are  freed  from  all  our  sins 
and  accounted  righteous  before  God.  In  like  man- 
ner, when  we  are  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  Holy  Ghost  assures  us,  by  this  Holy 
Sacrament,  that  He  will  dwell  in  us,  and  sanctify  us 
to  be  members  of  Christ,  applying  unto  us  that 
which  we  have  in  Christ,  namely,  the  washing  away 
of  our  sins  and  the  daily  renewing  of  our  lives,  till 
we  shall  finally  be  presented  without  spot  or  wrinkle 
among  the  assembly  of  the  elect  in  life  eternal. 

Thirdly.  Whereas  in  all  covenants  there  are 
contained  two  parts,  therefore  are  we  by  God, 
through  Baptism,  admonished  of,  and  obliged  tmto 
new  obedience,  namely,  that  we  cleave  to  this  One 
God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost ;  that  we  trust 
in  Him  and  love  Him  with  all  our  heart,  with  aL 
our  soul,  with  all  our  mind,  and  with  all  our 
strength  ;  that  we  forsake  the  world,  crucify  our 
old  nature,  and  walk  in  a  new  and  holy  life. 

And  if  we  sometimes,  through  weakness,  fall  intc 
sin,  we  must  not  therefore  despair  of  God's  mercy, 
nor  continue  in  sin,  since  Baptism  is  a  seal  and 
undoubted  testimony  that  we  have  an  eternal  cove- 
nant of  grace  with  God. 

I. 

TO   INFANTS   OF   BELIEVERS. 

And  although  our  young  children  do  not  under- 
stand these  things,  we  may  not  therefore  exclude 
them  from  Baptism  ;  for  as  they  are,  without  their 
knowledge,  partakers  of  the  condemnation  in  Adam, 
so  are  thev  again  received   unto  grace  in   Christ  , 


BAPTISM.  O3 

as  God  speaketh  unto  Abraham,  the  father  of  all 
the  faithful,  and  therefore  unto  us  and  our  children. 
(Gen.  17:7,)  saying :  "  I  will  establish  My  covenant 
between  Me  and  thee,  and  thy  seed  after  thee,  in 
their  generations,  for  an  everlasting  covenant ;  to 
be  a  God  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee." 
This  also  the  Apostle  Peter  testifieth,  with  these 
words,  (Acts  2  :  39  :)  "  For  the  promise  is  unto  you, 
and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off. 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call."  There- 
fore God  formerly  commanded  them  to  be  circum- 
cised, which  was  a  seal  of  the  Covenant,  and  of  the 
righteousness  of  faith  ;  and  therefore  Christ  also 
embraced  them,  laid  His  hands  upon  them  and 
bfessed  them.     (Mark  10:  16.) 

Since  then  Baptism  is  come  in  the  place  of  cir- 
cumcision, infants  are  to  be  baptized  as  heirs  of  the 
Kingdom  of  God  and  of  His  Covenant.  And 
parents  are  in  duty  bound,  further  to  instruct  their 
children  herein,  when  they  shall  arrive  at  years  of 
discretion. 

That  therefore  this  Holy  Ordinance  of  God  may 
be  administered  to  His  glory,  to  our  comfort,  and 
to  the  edification  of  His  Church,  let  us  call  upon 
His  holy  Name. 

PRAYER. 

O  Almighty  and  Eternal  God,  we  beseech  Thee 
that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  of  Thine  infinite  mercy, 
graciously  to  look  upon  these  children,  and  incorpor- 
ate them  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit  into  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  that  they  may  be  buried  with  Him  into 
His  death  and  be  raised  with  Him  in  newness 
2 


t>4  LITURGY. 

of  life  ;  that  they  may  daily  follow  Him,  joyfully 
bearing-  their  cross,  and  cleave  unto  Him  in 
true  faith,  firm  hope,  and  ardent  love ;  that  they 
may,  with  a  comfortable  sense  of  Thy  favor,  leave 
this  life,  which  is  nothing  but  a  continual  death, 
and  at  the  last  day,  may  appear  without  terror  be- 
fore the  judgment-seat  of  Christ  Thy  Son,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  with  Thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  One  Only  God,  lives  and  reigns  forever. 
Amen. 

an  exhortation  to  the  parents,  and  those 
who  come  with  them  to  baptism. 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  you  have 
neard  that  Baptism  is  an  Ordinance  of  God,  to  seal 
unto  us  and  to  our  seed  His  Covenant.  Therefore 
it  must  be  used  for  that  end,  and  not  out  of  custom 
or  superstition.  That  it  may  then  be  manifest  that 
you  are  thus  minded,  you  are  to  answer  sincerely 
to  these  questions : 

First.  Do  you  acknowledge,  that  although  our 
children  are  conceived  and  born  in  sin,  and  there- 
fore are  subject  to  all  miseries,  yea,  to  condemna 
tion  itself;  yet  that  they  are  sanctified*  in  Christ, 
and  therefore,  as  members  of  His  Church,  ought  to 
be  baptized  ? 

Secondly.  Do  you  acknowledge  the  doctrine 
which  is  contained  in  the  Old  and  New  Testament, 
and  in  the  Articles  of  the  Christian  faith,  and  which 
is  taught  here  in  this  Christian  Church,  to  be  the 
true  and  perfectf  doctrine  of  salvation  ? 


•  "  My  children  :"  Ezek.  16:21.      "  They  are  holy  :"  1  Cor.  7  :  14. 
+  Dutch  '.  Volkomene — complete. 


BAPTISM.  65 

Thirdly.  Do  you  promise  and  intend  to  see  these 
children,  when  come  to  the  years  of  discretion,  in- 
structed and  brought  up  in  the  aforesaid  doctrine, 
or  to  help  or  cause  them  to  be  instructed  therein, 
to  the  utmost  of  your  power? 

Answer.  Yes. 

Then  the  Minister  of  God's  Word,  in  baptizing,  shall  say  : 

,  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Fa- 
ther, and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Amen. 

THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty  God  and  Merciful  Father,  we  thank 
and  praise  Thee,  that  Thou  hast  forgiven  us,  and 
our  cnildren,  all  our  sins,  through  the  blood  of  Thy 
Beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  received  us  through 
Thy  Holy  Spirit,  as  members  of  Thy  Only  Begot- 
ten Son,  and  adopted  us  to  be  Thy  children,  and 
sealed  and  confirmed  the  same  unto  us  by  Holy 
Baptism.  We  beseech  Thee,  through  the  same  Son 
of  Thy  love,  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  always  to 
govern  these  baptized  children  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit ; 
that  they  may  be  piously  and  religiously  educated, 
increase  and  grow  up  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
that  they  then  may  acknowledge  Thy  Fatherly  good- 
ness and  mercy,  which  Thou  hast  shown  to  them 
and  us  ;  and  live  in  all  righteousness,  under  our 
only  Teacher,  King,  and  High-Priest,  Jesus  Christ ; 
and  manfully  fight  against  and  overcome  sin,  the 
devil,  and  his  whole  dominion,  to  the  end  that  they 
may  eternally  praise  and  magnify  Thee,  and  Thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  together  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
the  One  Only  True  God.     Amen. 


66  LITURGY. 

II. 

TO    ADULT    PERSONS. 

However,  children  of  Christian  parents,  although 
they  understand  not  this  mystery,  must  be  baptized, 
by  virtue  of  the  Covenant  ;  yet  it  is  not  lawful  to 
baptize  those  who  have  come  to  years  of  discre- 
tion, except  they  first  be  sensible  of  their  sins,  and 
make  confession  both  of  their  repentence  and  their 
faith  in  Christ.  For  this  cause  not  only  did  John 
the  Baptist  preach,  according:  to  the  command  of 
God,  the  baptism  of  repentance,  and  baptize  for  the 
remission  of  sin,  those  who  confessed  their  sins, 
(Mark  1:4);  but  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  also  com- 
manded His  disciples  to  teach  all  nations,  and  then 
to  baptize  them,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  adding  this  prom- 
ise: "He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be 
saved."  According  to  which  rule  the  Apostles  (Acts 
2,  10,  16)  baptized  none  who  were  of  years  of  discre- 
tion, but  such  as  made  confession  of  their  faith  and 
repentance.  Therefore  it  is  not  lawful  now  to  bap- 
tize any  other  adult  persons,  than  such  as  have  been 
taught  the  mysteries  of  Holy  Baptism  by  the 
preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  are  able  to  give  an 
account  of  their  faith  by  the  confession  of  the 
mouth. 

Since  therefore  you, ,  are  also   desirous 

of  Holy  Baptism,  to  the  end  it  may  be  to  you  a  seal 
of  your  engrafting  into  the  Church  of  God :  that  it 


BAPTISM.  67 

may  appear  that  you*  do  not  only  receive  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  in  which  you  have  been  privately  in- 
structed by  us,  and  of  which  also  you  have  made 
confession  before  us,  but  that  you,  through  the  grace 
of  God,  intend  and  purpose  to  lead  a  life  according 
to  the  same  ;  you  are  sincerely  to  give  answer  before 
God  and  His  Church: 

First.  Dost  thou  believe  in  the  Only  True  God, 
distinct  in  three  persons,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost,  Who  hath  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  all 
that  in  them  is,  of  nothing,  and  still  maintains 
and  governs  them,  insomuch  that  nothing  comes  to 
pass,  either  in  heaven  or  on  earth,  without  His 
divine  will? 

Answer.  Yes. 

Secondly.  Dost  thou  believe  that  thou  art  con- 
ceived and  born  in  sin,  and  therefore  art  a  child  o£ 
wrath  by  nature,  wholly  incapable  of  doing  any 
good  and  prone  to  all  evil ;  and  that  thou  hast  fre- 
quently, both  in  thought,  word,  and  deed,  trans- 
gressed the  commandments  of  the  Lord ;  and  art 
thou  heartily  sorry  for  these  sins? 

Answer.  Yes. 

Thirdly.  Dost  thou  believe  that  Christ,  who  is  the 
True  and  Eternal  God,  and  Very  Man,  who  took 
His  human  nature  on  Him  out  of  the  flesh  and 
blood  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  is  given  thee  of  God,  to 


*  When  persons  who  have  been  baptized  in  Infancy  are  also  to  be  received  to  full 
communion,  the  Minister  may  here  add  : 

Together  with  you  also  who  have  been  baptized  in  Infancy. 


68  LITURGY. 

be  thy  Saviour ;  and  that  thou  dost  receive,  by  this 
faith,  remission  of  sins  in  His  blood  ;  and  that  thou 
art  made,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  a 
member  of  Jesus  Christ  and  of  His  Church? 

Answer.  Yes. 

Fourthly.  Dost  thou  assent  to  all  the  Articles  of 
the  Christian  religion,  as  they  are  taught  here  in 
this  Christian  Church,  according  to  the  Word  of 
God ;  and  purpose  steadfastly  to  continue  in  the 
same  doctrine  to  the  end  of  thy  life ;  and  also  dost 
thou  reject  all  heresies  and  schisms,  repugnant  to 
this  doctrine,  and  promise  to  persevere  in  the  com- 
munion of  our  Christian  Church,  not  only  in  the 
hearing  of  the  Word,  but  also  in  the  use  of  the 
Lord's  Supper? 

Answer,  Yes. 

Fifthly.  Hast  thou  taken  a  firm  resolution  always 
to  lead  a  Christian  life ;  to  forsake  the  world  and 
its  evil  lusts,  as  is  becoming  the  members  of  Christ 
and  His  Church  ;  and  to  submit  thyself  to  all  Chris- 
tian admonitions? 

Answer.  Yes. 

The  Good  and  Great  God  mercifully  grant  His 
grace  and  blessing  to  this  thy  purpose,  through 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Then  the  Minister  of  God's  Word,  in  baptizing,  shall  «ay : 

— ,    I    baptize   thee,   in   the   name  of  the 

Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Amen. 

thanksgiving. 

Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  give 
Thee  most  humble  and  t  .arty  thanks  that  Thou 


BAPTISM.  69 

hast  called  us  to  the  knowledge  of  Thy  grace,  <xnd 
unto  the  faith  of  Thy  Son,  and  unto  the  Covenant 
of  salvation,  wherein  we  are  sealed  by  Holy  Bap- 
tism. Give  Thy  Holy  Spirit  to  these  Thy  servants, 
that,  being  born  again  and  made  heirs  of  God,  they 
may  keep  themselves  in  Thy  love,  and  receive  the 
fulfilment  of  Thy  promises  ;  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  Who,  with  Thee,  O  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  One  Only  True  God,  liveth  and  reigneth, 
world  without  end.    Amen. 


70  UTURGY. 


VI. 


HTHE  PUBLIC  RECEPTION  INTO  FULL  COM- 
MUNION, OF  THOSE  WHO  HAVE  BEEN 
BAPTIZED    IN   INFANCY. 


The  Candidates  shall  stand  before  the  Minister.    While  they  are  coming  for- 
ward, an  appropriate  hymn  may  be  snng. 

Then  tho  Minister  will  say  : 

Dearly  Beloved  in  Christ.  As  children  of  your 
Heavenly  Father  you  stand  here  for  the  deliberate 
and  public  ratification  in  your  own  persons  of  that 
Covenant  of  God  of  which  your  Baptism  is  the  seal. 
You  have  already  been  duly  instructed,  and  have 
made  confession  before  us  of  your  faith  in  the  Bles- 
sed Saviour.  And  now  in  this  most  solemn  manner, 
before  God  and  His  Church,  you  are  to  repeat  and 
renew  that  confession. 

I  ask  each  one  of  you,  then  : 

First.  Dost  thou  believe  in  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty, Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ? 

Answer.  I  do. 

Secondly.  Dost  tl-.ou  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  His 
only  Son,  our  Lord,  who  was  conceived  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  born  of   the  Virgin    Mary,  suffered 


RECEPTION    INTO    FULL   COMMUNION.  71 

under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and 
buried  ;  He  descended  into  hell*;the  third  day  He 
rose  again  from  the  dead  ;  He  ascended  into  heaven, 
and  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father 
Almighty  ;  from  thence  He  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead  ? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Thirdly.  Dost  thou  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
the  Holy  Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  saints ; 
the  forgiveness  of  sins;  the  resurrection  of  the 
body  ;  and  the  life  everlasting  ? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Fourthly.  Dost  thou  purpose  steadfastly  to  con- 
tinue to  the  end  of  thy  life  in  the  truth  affirmed  in 
these  Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith  as  they  are 
taught  here  in  this  Church,  according  to  the  Word 
of  God,  rejecting  all  heresies  and  schisms  repug- 
nant thereto? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Fifthly.  Dost  thou  promise  to  persevere  in  the 
communion  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  in  the 
diligent  use  of  all  the  means  of  grace,  especially  in 
the  hearing  of  the  Word  and  the  use  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  to  seek  the  things  that  make  for  purity  and 
peace,  and  to  submit  thyself  to  all  Christian  care 
and  admonition  ? 

Answer.  I  do. 

Then  the  Minister  will  say  : 

Since,  then,  thou  hast  witnessed  this  good  confes- 
sion ;  in  the  name  of  the  Church  and  of  Jesus 
Christ  her  Lord  and  Head,  I  do  now  welcome  thee 
to  full  communion  with  the  People  of  God. 

*  Instead  of  the  word  Hell  may  be  used  the  word  Hades. 


7  2  LITURGY. 

[The  following:,  or  some  other  appropriate  blessing,  will  then  be  used,  given  to 
each  one  separately,  or  to  all  together,  as  the  Minister  may  choose.] 

The  mountains  shall  depart  and  the  hills  be  re- 
moved ;  but  My  kindness  shall  not  depart  from 
thee,  neither  shall  the  covenant  of  My  peace  be  re- 
moved, saith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 

The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee ! 

The  Lord  make  His  face  shine  upon  thee  and  be 
gracious  unto  thee ! 

The  Lord  lift  up  His  countenance  upon  thee 
and  give  thee  peace !     Amen. 

[The  Minister  will  then  offer  the  following  Thanksgiving.] 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  we  thank  and 
praise  Thee  that  Thou  hast  vouchsafed  unto  these 
Thy  serva?its,  power  and  grace,  to  own  and  accept 
for  themselves  Thy  holy  covenant,  sealed  and  con- 
firmed to  them  in  their  baptism.  Strengthen  them 
we  beseech  Thee  with  the  Holy  Ghost  the  Com- 
forter. Increase  in  them  daily  Thy  manifold  gifts 
of  grace ;  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding, 
the  spirit  of  counsel  and  might,  the  spirit  of  know- 
ledge and  of  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  Keep  them  from 
the  evil  that  is  in  the  world.  Defend  them  from 
the  power  of  the  devil.  Enable  them  to  walk  in 
the  Spirit,  that  they  may  not  fulfil  the  lusts  of  the 
flesh ;  and  so  lead  them  in  the  knowledge  and  obe- 
dience of  Thy  Word  that  they  may  obtain  ever- 
lasting life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  Who, 
with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  liveth  and  reigneth, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.    Amen. 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  73 


VII. 

HE     OFFICE     FOR    THE     ADMINISTRATION 
OF    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER, 


Before  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Communion  the  Minister  shall  sayr 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  attend  to  the 
words  of  the  institution  of  the  Holy  Supper  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  they  are  delivered  by  the 
holy  Apostle  Paul,  1  Cor.  xi  :  23-30. 

"  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the 
same  night  in  which  He  was  betrayed,  took  bread ; 
and  when  He  had  given  thanks,  He  brake  it,  and 
said,  Take,  eat :  this  is  My  body,  which  is  broken 
for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  Me.  After 
the  same  manner,  also,  He  took  the  cup  when  He 
had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament 
in  My  blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  re- 
membrance of  Me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this 
bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord's 
death  till  He  come.  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord  un- 
worthily, shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of 


74  LITURGY. 

the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so 
let  him  eat  of  that  bread  and  drink  of  that  cup ; 
for  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eateth 
and  drinketh  damnation*  to  himself,  not  discerning 
the  Lord's  body." 

That  we  may  now  celebrate  the  Supper  of  the 
Lord  to  our  comfort,  it  is  above  all  things  neces- 
sary: 

I.  Rightly  to  examine  ourselves. 

II.  To  direct  the  Supper  to  that  end  for  which 
Christ  hath  ordained  and  instituted  the  same, 
namely,  to  His  remembrance, 

The  true  examination  of  ourselves  consists  of 
these  three  parts : 

First.  That  every  one  consider  by  himself  his 
sins  and  the  curse  due  to  him  for  them,  to  the  end 
that  he  may  abhor  and  humble  himself  before  God ; 
considering  that  the  wrath  of  God  against  sin  is  so 
great,  that,  rather  than  it  should  go  unpunished, 
He  hath  punished  the  same  in  His  Beloved  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  with  the  bitter  and  shameful  death  of 
the  cross. 

Secondly.  That  every  one  examine  his  own  heart, 
whether  he  doth  believe  this  faithful  promise  of 
God,  that  all  his  sins  are  forgiven  him  only  for  the 
Sake  of  the  passion  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and 
that  the  perfect  righteousness  of  Christ  is  imputed 
and  freely  given  him  as  his  own,  yea,  so  perfectly 
as  if  he  had  satisfied  in  his  own  person  for  all  his 
sins,  and  fulfilled  all  righteousness. 

*  Greek,  Kpipa — Dutch,  Oordeel.     Eng.,  judgment,  condemnation. 


THE   LORD'S   SUPPER. 


75 


Thirdly.  That  every  one  examine  his  own  con- 
science, whether  he  purposeth  henceforth  to  show 
true  thankfulness  to  God  in  his  whole  life,  and  to 
walk  uprightly  before  Him  ;  as  also,  whether  he 
hath  laid  aside  unfeignedly,  all  enmity,  hatred,  and 
envy,  and  doth  firmly  resolve  henceforth  to  walk  in 
true  love  and  peace  with  his  neighbor. 

All  those,  then,  who  are  thus  disposed,  God  will 
certainly  receive  in  mercy,  and  count  them  worthy 
partakers  of  the  table  of  His  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
On  the  contrary,  those  who  do  not  feel  this  testi- 
mony in  their  hearts,  eat  and  drink  judgment  to 
themselves. 

Therefore,  we  also,  according  to  the  command  of 
Christ  and  the  Apostle  Paul,  admonish  all  those  who 
are  defiled  with  the  following  sins,  to  keep  them- 
selves from  the  table  of  the  Lord,  and  declare  to 
them  that  they  have  no  part  of  the  kingdom  of 
Christ :  such  as  all  idolaters  ;  all  those  who  invoke 
deceased  saints,  angels,  or  other  creatures ;  all  those 
who  worship  images  ;  all  enchanters,  diviners,  charm- 
ers, and  those  who  confide  in  such  enchantments ; 
all  despisers  of  God  and  His  Word,  and  of  the  Holy 
Sacraments ;  all  blasphemers ;  all  those  who  are 
given  to  raise  discord,  sects,  and  mutiny,  in  church 
or  state;  all  perjured  persons;  all  those  who  are 
disobedient  to  their  parents  and  superiors;  all 
murderers,  contentious  persons,  and  those  who 
live  in  hatred  and  envy  against  their  neighbors ; 
all  adulterers,  whoremongers,  drunkards,  thieves, 
usurers,  robbers,  gamesters,  covetous ;  and  all  who 
lead  offensive  lives. 

All  these,  while  they  continue  in  such  sins,  shall 


76  LITURGY. 

abstain  from  this  meat,  which  Christ  hath  ordained 
only  for  the  faithful,  lest  their  judgment  and  con- 
demnation be  made  the  heavier. 

But  this  is  not  designed,  dearly  beloved  brethren 
and  sisters  in  the  Lord,  to  deject  the  contrite 
hearts  of  the  faithful,  as  if  none  might  come  to  the 
Supper  of  the  Lord,  but  those  who  are  without 
sin.  For  we  do  not  come  to  this  Supper  to  testify 
thereby  that  we  are  perfect  and  righteous  in  our- 
selves ;  but  on  the  contrary,  considering  that  we 
seek  our  life  out  of  ourselves,  in  Jesus  Christ,  we 
acknowledge  that  we  lie  in  the  midst  of  death. 
Therefore,  notwithstanding  we  feel  many  infirmities 
and  miseries  in  ourselves ;  as  namely,  that  we  have 
not  perfect  faith,  and  that  we  do  not  give  ourselves 
to  serve  God  with  such  zeal  as  we  are  bound,  but 
have  daily  to  strive  with  the  weakness  of  our  faith, 
and  the  evil  lusts  of  our  flesh  ;  yet,  since  we  are, 
by  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  sorry  for  these 
weaknesses,  and  earnestly  desirous  to  fight  against 
our  unbelief,  and  to  live  according  to  all  the  com- 
mandments of  God,  therefore  we  rest  assured  that 
no  sin  or  infirmity,  which  still  remaineth,  against 
our  will,  in  us,  can  hinder  us  from  being  received 
of  God  in  mercy,  and  from  being  made  worthy 
partakers  of  this  heavenly  meat  and  drink. 


THE   LORD'S    SUPPER.  77 


II. 


Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Let  us  now  also  consider  to  what  end  the  Lord 
hath  instituted  His  Supper,  namely,  that  we  do  it 
in  remembrance  of  Him,  Now,  after  this  manner 
are  we  to  remember  Him  by  it. 

1.  That  we  be  confidently  persuaded  in  our 
hearts,  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the 
promises  made  to  our  forefathers  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, was  sent  of  the  Father  into  the  world  :  that 
He  assumed  our  flesh  and  blood  :  that  He  bore  for 
us  the  wrath  of  God,  under  which  we  should  have 
perished  everlastingly,  from  the  beginning  of  His 
incarnation  to  the  end  of  His  life  upon  earth  :  that 
He  fulfilled  for  us  all  obedience  to  the  divine  law, 
and  righteousness,  especially  when  the  weight  of 
our  sins  and  the  wrath  of  God  pressed  out  of  Him 
the  bloody  sweat  in  the  garden,  where  He  was 
bound  that  we  might  be  freed  from  our  sins :  that 
He  afterward  suffered  innumerable  reproaches, 
that  we  might  never  be  confounded  ;  that  He,  al- 
though innocent,  was  condemned  to  death,  that  we 
might  be  acquitted  at  the  judgment-seat  of  God : 
yea,  that  He  suffered  His  blessed  body  to  be  nailed 
on  the  cross,  that  He  might  affix  thereon  the  hand- 
writing of  our  sins :  that  He  also  took  upon  Him- 
self the  curse  due  to  us,  that  He  might  fill  us  with 
His  blessings :  that  He  humbled  Himself  unto  the 
deepest  reproach  and  pains,  of  hell,  both  in  body 
and  soul,  on  the  tree  of  the  cross,  when  he  cried 
out  with  a  loud  voice,  My  God,  My  God 7  why  hast 


75  LITURGY. 

thou  forsaken  me  ?  that  we  might  be  accepted  of 
God,  and  never  be  forsaken  of  Him  :  and  finally 
that  He  confirmed,  with  His  death  and  shedding  of 
His  blood,  the  new  and  eternal  testament,  that 
covenant  of  grace  and  reconciliation,  when  He 
said,  //  is  finished. 

2.  And,  that  we  might  firmly  believe  that  we  be- 
long to  this  Covenant  of  Grace,  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  in  His  Last  Supper,  "  took  bread,  and  when 
He  had  given  thanks,  He  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to 
lis  disciples,  and  said,  Take,  eat,  this  is  My  body 
vhich  is  broken  for  you,  this  do  in  remembrance 
of  Mc  :  in  like  manner  also,  after  supper,  He  took 
the  cup,  gave  thanks  and  said,  Drink  ye  all  of  it; 
this  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  My  blood,  which 
is  shed  for  you  and  for  many,  for  the  remission  01 
sins  ;  this  do  ye,  as  often  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem- 
brance of  Me."  That  is,  as  often  as  ye  eat  of  this 
bread,  and  drink  of  this  cup,  you  shall  thereby,  as 
by  a  sure  remembrance  and  pledge,  be  admonished 
and  assured  of  this  My  hearty  love  and  faithfulness 
toward  you  :  that  whereas  you  should  otherwise 
have  suffered  eternal  death,  I  have  given  My  body 
to  the  death  of  the  cross,  and  shed  My  blood  for 
you  ;  and  as  certainly  feed  and  nourish  your  hung- 
ry and  thirsty  soul  with  My  crucified  body  and 
shed  blood  to  everlasting  life,  as  this  bread  is 
broken  before  your  eyes,  and  this  cup  is  given  to 
you,  and  you  eat  and  drink  the  same  with  your 
mouth,  in  remembrance  of  Me. 

From  this  institution  of  the  Holy  Supper  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  see  that  He  directs  our  faith 


the  lord's  supper.  79 

and  trust  to  His  Perfect  Sacrifice,  once  offered  on 
the  cross,  as  to  the  only  ground  and  foundation  of 
our  salvation;  wherein  He  is  become  to  our  hung- 
ry and  thirsty  souls,  the  true  meat  and  drink  of  life 
eternal.  For  by  His  death  He  hath  taken  away  the 
cause  of  our  eternal  death  and  misery,  namely, sin; 
and  obtained  for  us  the  Quickening  Spirit,  that  we 
by  the  same,  which  dwelleth  in  Christ  as  the  Head, 
and  in  us  as  His  members,  might  have  true  com- 
munion with  Him,  and  be  made  partakers  of  all 
His  blessings,  of  life  eternal,  righteousness,  and 
glory. 

Besides,  that  we,  by  the  same  Spirit  may  also  be 
united  as  members  of  one  Body,  in  true  brotherly 
love  ;  as  the  holy  Apostle  saith,  "  For  we,  being 
many,  are  one  bread  and  one  body  ;  for  we  are  all 
partakers  of  that  one  bread."  For  as  out  of  many 
grains  one  meal  is  ground  and  one  bread  baked,  and 
out  of  many  berries  being  pressed  together,  one 
wine  floweth  and  mixeth  itself  together ;  so  shall 
we  all,  who  by  a  true  faith  are  ingrafted  into  Christ, 
through  brotherly  love  be  altogether  one  body,  for 
the  sake  of  Christ,  our  Beloved  Saviour,  who  hath 
so  exceedingly  loved  us ;  and  shall  show  this,  not 
only  in  word,  but  also  in  very  deed  toward  one 
another. 

Hereto  assist  us,  the  Almighty  God  and  Father 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  through  His  Holy  Spirit ! 
Amen. 

That  we  may  obtain  all  this,  let  us  humble  our- 
selves before  God,  and  with  true  faith  implore  His 
grace. 


8o  LITURGY. 


PRAYER. 


O  Most  Merciful  God  and  Father,  we  beseech 
Thee,  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased,  in  this  Supper,  in 
which  we  celebrate  the  glorious  remembrance  of 
the  bitter  death  of  Thy  Beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
to  work  in  our  hearts  through  the  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  daily,  more  and  more,  with  .true  confidence, 
give  ourselves  up  unto  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  so 
that  our  afflicted  and  contrite  hearts,  through  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  may  be  fed  and  comfort- 
ed with  His  true  body  and  blood ;  yea,  with  Him, 
True  God  and  Man,  that  Only  Heavenly  Bread :  and 
that  we  may  no  longer  live  in  our  sins,  but  He  in 
us,  and  we  in  Him  ;  and  thus  truly  be  made  partak- 
ers of  the  new  and  everlasting  testament  and  cove- 
nant of  grace  :  that  we  may  not  doubt  that  Thou 
wilt  for  ever  be  our  Gracious  Father,  never  more 
imputing  our  sins  unto  us,  and  providing  us,  as  Thy 
beloved  children  and  heirs,  with  all  things  neces- 
sary, as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul.  Grant  us 
also  Thy  grace,  that  we  may  take  upon  us  our  cross 
cheerfully,  deny  ourselves,  confess  our  Saviour,  and 
iu  all  tribulations,  with  uplifted  heads  expect  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  from  heaven,  where  He  will 
make  our  mortal  bodies  like  unto  His  most  glorious 
body,  and  take  us  unto  Him  in  eternity. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 

BE  THY   NAME:    TliY   KINGDOM    COME:   TllY    WILL 

BE  DONE     IN    EARTH    AS    IT    IS    IN    HEAVEN:    GlVE 

US  THIS    DAY    OUR    DAILY    BREAD:     AND     FORGIVE 

US  OUR    DEBTS.    AS    WE     FORGIVE     OUK      DEBTORS' 


THE   LORD'S   SUPPER.  8 1 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  e/il:  For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 

THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AMEN. 

Strengthen  us  also  by  this  Holy  Supper  in  the 
Catholic  undoubted  Christian  Faith,  whereof  we 
make  confession  with  our  mouths  and  hearts, 
saying:* 

i  believe  in  god,  the  father  almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ  H  is  only  Son  our  Lord  j 
who  was  conceived  by  the  holy  ghost,  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried;  He 

DESCENDED  INTO  HELLf;THE  THIRD  DAY  He  ROSE 
AGAIN  FROM  THE  DEAD  ,  He  ASCENDED  INTO  HEA- 
ven ;  and  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  god 
the  Father  Almighty  ;  from  thence  He  shall 
come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

i  believe  in  the  holy  ghost  ;  the  holy 
Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  saints  ; 
the  forgiveness  of  sins  ;  the  resurrection  of 
the  body  ;  and  the  life  everlasting.    amen. 

That  we  may  be  now  fed  with  the  True  Heavenly 
Bread,  Christ  Jesus,  let  us  not  cleave  with  our  hearts 
unto  the  external  bread  and  wine,  but  lift  them  up 
on  high  in  heaven,  where  Christ  Jesus  is  our  Advo- 
cate, at  the  right  hand  of  His  Heavenly  Father, 
whither  all  the  Articles  of  our  Faith  lead  us ;  not 

*  The  words  "  with  our  mouths  and  hearts"  evidently  require  the  audibU 
confession  of  these  "Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,"  hoth by  the  Minister 
and  the  people.  And  such  was  the  ancient  usage.  It  is  recommended  that 
;.t  W  restored. 


*  Instead  of  the  word  Hell  may  be  used  the  word  Hades. 


82  LITURGY. 

doubting  that,  through  the  working  of  'he  Holy 
Ghost,  we  shall  as  certainly  be  fed  and  refreshed  in 
our  souls  with  His  Body  and  Blood,  as  we  receive 
the  holy  bread  and  wine,  in  remembrance  of  Him. 

In  breaking  and  distributing  the  bread,  the  Minister  shall  say : 

The  bread  which  we  break,  is  the  communion 
of  the  Body  of  Christ. 

And  when  he  giveth  the  cup  : 

The  cup  of  blessing,  which  we  bless,  is  the  com 
munion  of  the  Blood  of  Christ. 

Daring  the  Communion,  a  Psalm  shall  or  may  be  devoutly  sung,  or  some 
chapter  read,  in  remembrance  of  the  death  of  Christ,  as  Isaiah  liii,  John  riil. 
xiv,  xv,  xvi,  xvii,  xviii,  or  the  like. 


III. 

After  the  Communion  the  Minister  shall  say : 

Beloved  in  the  Lord,  since  the  Lord  hath  now 
fed  our  souls  at  His  table,  let  us  therefore  jointly 
praise    His    Holy   Name,   with    thanksgiving,    and 
every  one  say  in  his  heart  thus : 
Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ; 

And  all  that  is  within  7?ie,  bless  His  Holy  Name. 
Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul  ; 

And  forget  not  all  His  benefits. 
Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities; 

Who  healeth  all  thy  diseases. 
Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruction ; 

Who  crowneth  thee  with  loving-kindness  and  ten- 
der mercies. 


THE    LORDV       lTiJPER.  83 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious ; 

Slow  to  anger,  and  plenteous  in  mercy. 
He  hath  not  dealt  with    us  after  our  sins  ; 

Nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our  iniquities. 
For  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  the  earth  ; 

So  great  is  His  mercy  toward  them  that  fear  Him* 
As  far  as  the  East  is  from  the  West  ; 

So  far  hath  He  removed  our  transgressions  from 
us. 
Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children ; 

So  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  Him. 
Who  hath  not  spared  His  Own  Son,  but  delivered 
Him  up  for  us  all,  and  given  us  all  things  with  Him. 
Therefore  God  commendeth  therewith  His  love 
toward  us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ 
died  for  us  ;  much  more  then,  being  now  justified  by 
His  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath  through 
Him.  For,  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  recon- 
ciled to  God  by  the  death  of  His  Son ;  much 
more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by  His 
life.  Therefore  shall  my  mouth  and  heart  show 
forth  the  praise  of  the  Lord  from  this  time  forth  for 
evermore.    Amen. 

Let  every  one  say  with  an  attentive  heart : 

O  Almighty,  Merciful  God  and  Father,  we  ren- 
der Thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks,  that 
Thou  hast,  of  Thine  infinite  mercy,  given  us  Thine 
Only  Begotten  Son,  for  a  Mediator  and  a  Sacrifice 
for  our  sins,  and  to  be  our  Meat  and  Drink  unto  life 
eternal ;  and  that  Thou  givest  us  lively  faith,  where- 
by we  are  made  partakers   of  these  Thy  benefits. 


84  LITURGY. 

Thou  hast  also  been  pleased,  that  Thy  Beloved  Son 
Jesus  Christ  should  institute  and  ordain  His  Holy 
Supper  for  the  confirmation  of  the  same.  Grant, 
we  beseech  Thee,  O  Faithful  God  and  Father,  that 
through  the  operation  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  the  com- 
memoration of  the  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
may  tend  to  the  daily  increase  of  our  faith,  and  ot 
our  saving  fellowship  with  Him  :  Through  Jesus 
Christ  Thy  Son,  in  whose  Name  we  conclude  our 
prayers,  saying : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 
be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  glve 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive 
us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors  : 
and  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil:  for  tliine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    amen 


CHURCH   DISCIPLINE.  85 


VIII. 

Church  Discipline. 


EXCOMMUNICATION* 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  it  is  known 
unto  you,  that  we  have  several  times,  and  by  seve- 
ral methods  declared  unto  you  the  great  sin  com- 
mitted, and  the  heinous  offence  given  by  our  fellow 
member  N.,  to  the  end  that  he,  by  your  Christian 
admonition,  and  prayers  to  God,  might  be  brought 
to  repentance,  and  so  be  freed  from  the  bonds  of  the 
devil  by  whom  he  is  held  captive,  and  be  recovered 
by  the  will  of  the  Lord.  But  we  cannot  conceal 
from  you,  with  great  sorrow,  that  no  one  has  as  yet 
appeared  before  us,  who  hath  in  the  least  given  us 
to  understand  that  he,  by  the  frequent  admonitions 
given  him,  as  well  in  private,  as  before  witnesses, 
and  in  the  presence  of  many,  is  come  to  any  remorse 
for  his  sins,  or  hath  shown  the  least  token  of  true 
repentance.  Since  then  by  his  stubbornness,  he 
daily  aggravates  hic  *in,  which  in  itself  is  not  small. 


86  LITURGY. 

and  since  we  lately  signified  unto  you  that  in  case 
he  did  not  repent,  after  such  patience  shown  him  by 
the  Church,  we  should  be  under  the  disagreeable 
necessity  of  being  further  grieved  for  him,  and 
should  come  to  the  last  remedy  :  we  at  this  present 
are  necessitated  to  proceed  to  this  excommunication, 
according  to  the  command  and  charge  given  us  by 
God  in  his  Holy  Word;  to  the  end  that  he  may 
hereby  be  made,  if  possible,  ashamed  of  his  sins  ; 
and  likewise  that  we  may  not,  by  this  rotten,  and 
as  yet  incurable  member,  put  the  whole  body  ot 
the  Church  in  danger,  and  that  God's  Name  may 
not  be  blasphemed. 

Therefore,  we,  the  Ministers  and  rulers  of  the 
Church  of  God,  being  here  assembled  ;  in  the  name 
and  authority  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  declare  be- 
fore you  all,  that  for  the  aforesaid  reasons  we  have 
excommunicated,  and  by  these  do  excommunicate 
N.  from  the  Church  of  God,  and  from  the  fellow- 
ship of  Christ  and  of  the  Holy  Sacraments,  and 
from  all  the  spiritual  blessings  and  benefits,  which 
God  promises  to  and  bestows  upon  His  Church,  so 
long  as  he  obstinately  and  impenitently  persists  in 
his  sins ;  and  he  is  therefore  to  be  accounted  by  you 
as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican,  according  to  the 
command  of  Christ,  who  saith  that  whatsoever  His 
ministers  shall  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in 
heaven. 

Further,  we  exhort  you,  beloved  Christians,  to 
keep  no  company  with  him,  that  he  may  be  asham- 
ed ;  yet  count  him  not  as  an  enemy,  but  at  all  times 
admonish   him  as   vou   would  a  brother.     In   the 


CHURCH   DISCIPLINE.  87 

mean  time  let  every  one  take  warning  by  this  and 
such  like  examples,  to  fear  the  Lord,  and  diligently 
take  heed  unto  himself,  if  he  thinketh  he  standeth, 
lest  lie  fall;  but  having  true  fellowship  with  the 
Fathei  and  His  Son  Jesus  Christ,  together  with  all 
faithful  Christians,  remain  steadfast  therein  to  the 
end,  and  so  to  obtain  eternal  salvation  !  You  have 
seen,  beloved  brethren  and  sisters,  in  what  manner 
this  our  excomunicated  brother  has  begun  to  fall, 
and  by  degrees  is  come  to  ruin  ;  observe,  therefore, 
how  subtle  Satan  is,  to  bring  man  to  destruction, 
and  to  withdraw  him  from  all  salutary  means  of 
salvation.  Guard,  then,  against  the  least  begin- 
nings of  evil,  "  and  laying  aside  every  weight  and 
the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  us,  let  us  run 
with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us,  looking 
unto  Jesus  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith.  Be 
sober ;  watch  and  pray,  lest  you  enter  into  tempta- 
tion. To-day,  if  you  will  hear  the  voice  of  the 
Lord,  harden  not  your  hearts,  but  work  out  your 
own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling;"  and  let 
every  one  repent  of  his  sins,  that  our  God  may  not 
humble  us  again,  and  we  be  obliged  to  bewail  some 
one  of  you  ;  but  that  you,  living  with  one  accord 
in  all  godliness,  may  be  our  crown  and  joy  in  the 
Lord. 

Since  it  is  God  who  worketh  in  us,  both  to  will 
and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure,  let  us  call  upon 
His  Holy  Name  with  confession  of  our  sins,  saying : 


88 


LITURGY. 


PRAYER 


O  Righteous  God  and  Merciful  Father,  we  be- 
wail our  sins  before  Thy  High  Majesty,  and  acknow- 
ledge that  we  have  deserved  the  grief  and  sorrow 
caused  us  by  the  cutting  off  of  this  our  late  fellow 
member ;  yea,  shouldst  Thou  enter  into  judgment 
with  us,  we  all  deserve,  by  reason  of  our  great 
transgressions,  to  be  cut  off  and  banished  from  Thy 
presence.  But,  O  Lord,  Thou  art  merciful  unto  us 
for  Christ's  sake ;  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  for  we 
heartily  repent  of  them,  and  daily  work  in  our 
hearts  a  greater  measure  of  sorrow  for  them ;  that 
we,  fearing  Thy  judgments  which  Thou  executest 
against  the  stiff-necked,  may  endeavor  to  please 
Thee.  Help  us  to  avoid  all  pollution  of  the  world, 
and  of  those  who  are  cut  off  from  the  communion 
of  the  Church,  that  we  may  not  make  ourselves 
partakers  of  their  sins ;  and  grant  that  he,  who  is 
excommunicated,  may  become  ashamed  of  his,  sins. 
And  since  Thou  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner, 
but  that  he  may  repent  and  live,  and  since  the 
bosom  of  Thy  Church  is  aiway  open  for  those,  who 
turn  away  from  their  wickedness ;  we,  therefore, 
humbly  beseech  Thee,  to  kindle  in  our  hearts  a 
pious  zeal,  that  we  may  labor,  with  Christian  admo- 
nitions and  examples,  to  bring  again  this  excom- 
municated person  into  the  right  way,  together  with 
all  those  who,  through  unbelief  or  dissoluteness  of 
life,  go  astray. 

Give  Thy  blessing  to  our  admonitions,  that  v/e 
may  have  reason  thereby  to  rejoice  again  in  him, 


CHURCH   DISCIPLINE.  89 

for  whom  we  must  now  mourn  ;  and  that  Thy  Holy 
Name  may  be  praised,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  Who  hath  taught  us  to  pray: 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  glve 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread:  and  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors:  and 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  bu  t  deliver  us 
from  evil  :  For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    amen. 


II. 

READMITTING   EXCOMMUNICATED   PERSONS 

INTO    THE    CHURCH    OF    CHRIST. 

Beloved  in  the  Lord,  it  is  known  unto  you,  that 
some  time  ago  our  fellow  member  N.  was  cut  off 
from  the  Church  of  Christ ;  we  cannot  now  conceal 
from  you,  that  he,  by  the  above  mentioned  remedy, 
as  also  by  the  means  of  good  admonition  and  your 
Christian  prayers,  is  come  so  far,  that  he  is  ashamed 
of  his  sins,  praying  us  to  be  re-admitted  into  the 
communion  of  the  Church. 

Since  we  then,  by  virtue  of  the  command  of 
God,  are  in  duty  bound  to  receive  such  persons 
with  joy,  and  it  being  necessary  that  good  order 
should  be  used  therein,  we  therefore  give  you  to 
understand  hereby,  that  we  purpose  to  loose  again 
the  aforementioned  excommunicated  person  from 


9©  LITURGY. 

the  bond  of  excommunication,  the  next  time  when 
by  the  grace  of  God  we  celebrate  the  Supper  of 
the  Lord,  and  receive  him  again  into  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Church  ;  except  any  one  of  you,  in  the 
mean  time,  shall  show  just  cause  why  this  ought  not 
to  be  done,  of  which  you  must  give  notice  to  us  in 
due  time.  In  the  mean  time,  let  every  one  thank 
the  Lord  for  the  mercy  shown  this  poor  sinner, 
beseeching  Him  to  perfect  his  work  in  him  to  his 
eternal  salvation.    Amen. 

Afterwards,  if  no  impediment  be  alleged,  the  Minister  shall  proceed  to  the 
re-admission  of  the  excommunicated  person,  in  the  following  manner : 

Beloved  Christians,  we  have  the  last  time  in- 
formed you  of  the  repentance  of  our  fellow  member 
N.  to  the  end  that  he  might  with  your  foreknowl- 
edge be  received  into  the  Church  of  Christ ;  and 
whereas  no  one  has  alleged  any  thing  why  his 
re-admission  ought  not  to  take  place,  we  therefore, 
at  present,  purpose  to  proceed  to  the  same. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Matt.  18,  having  con- 
firmed the  sentence  of  His  Church,  in  the  excom- 
munication of  impenitent  sinners,  declareth  imme- 
diately thereupon,  that  whatsoever  his  Ministers  shall 
loose  on  earth,  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven  ;  whereby  He 
giveth  to  understand,  that  when  any  person  is  cut 
off  from  His  Church  lie  is  not  deprived  of  all  hope  oi 
salvation ;  but  can  again  be  loosed  from  the  bonds 
of  condemnation.  Therefore,  since  God  declares  in 
His  Word,  that  He  takes  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of 
a  sinner,  but  that  he  turn  from  his  wickedness  and 
live,  so  the  Church  always  hopes  for  the  repentance 
of  the  backsliding  sinner,  and  keepeth  her  besom 


CHURCH   DISCIPLINE.  9 1 

open  to  receive  the  penitent ;  accordingly  the 
Apostle  Paul,  I  Cor.  5,  commanded  the  Corinthian 
(whom  he  had  declared  ought  to  be  cut  off  from 
the  Church)  to  be  again  received  and  comforted, 
since  being  reproved  by  many,  he  was  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  his  sins :  to  the  end  that  he  should  not 
be  swallowed  up  with  over-much  sorrow.  2  Cor.  2. 

Secondly,  Christ  teaches  us  in  the  aforementioned 
text,  that  the  sentence  of  absolution,  which  is  passed 
upon  such  a  penitent  sinner  according  to  the  word 
of  God,  is  counted  sure  and  firm  by  the  Lord  ; 
therefore,  no  one  ought  to  doubt  in  the  least,  who 
truly  repents,  that  he  is  assuredly  received  by  God 
in  mercy,  as  Christ  saith,  John,  Chap.  20,  Whose  so- 
ever  sins  ye  remit,  they  are  remitted  unto  them. 

But  now  to  proceed  to  the  matter  in  hand :  I  ask 
thee,  N.  whether  thou  dost  declare  here  with  all 
thine  heart  before  God  and  His  Church,  that  thou 
art  sincerely  sorry  for  the  sin  and  stubbornness,  for 
which  thou  hast  justly  been  cut  off  from  the 
Church :  whether  thou  dost  also  truly  believe,  that 
the  Lord  hath  forgiven  thee,  and  doth  forgive  thy 
sins  for  Christ's  sake,  and  that  thou  therefore  art 
desirous  to  be  re-admitted  into  the  Church  of 
Christ,  promising  henceforth  to  live  in  all  godliness 
according  to  the  command  of  the  Lord  ? 

Answer.    Yes,  verily. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  farther  say. 

We,  then,  here  assembled  in  the  Name  and 
authority  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  declare  thee 
N.  to  be  absolved  from  the  bonds  of  excommunica- 
tion ;   and  do  receive  thee  again  into  the  Church  of 


92 


LITURGY. 


the  Lord,  and  declare  unto  thee  that  thou  art  in 
the  communion  of  Christ  and  of  the  Holy  Sacra 
ments,  and  of  all  the  spiritual  blessings  and  benefits 
of  God  which  He  promiseth  to  and  bestoweth 
upon  His  Church :  may  the  Eternal  God  preserve 
thee  therein,  to  the  end,  through  His  only  begotten 
Son,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Be  therefore  assured  in  thy  heart,  my  beloved 
brother,  that  the  Lord  hath  again  received  thee  in 
mercy.  Be  diligent  henceforward  to  guard  thysell 
against  the  subtlety  of  Satan,  and  the  wickedness  of 
the  world,  to  the  end  that  thou  may  est  not  fail 
again  into  sin :  love  Christ,  for  many  sins  are  for- 
given thee. 

And  you,  beloved  Christians,  receive  this  your 
brother  with  hearty  affection ;  be  glad  that  he  was 
dead  and  is  alive  again,  he  was  lost  and  is  found  ; 
rejoice  with  the  angels  of  heaven,  over  this  sinner 
who  repenteth  :  count  him  no  longer  as  a  stranger, 
but  as  a  fellow  citizen  with  the  saints,  and  of  the 
household  of  God.  And  whereas  we  can  have  no 
good  of  ourselves,  let  us,  praising  and  magnifying 
the  Lord  Almighty,  implore  His  mercy,  saying, 

PRAYER. 

Gracious  God  and  Father,  we  thank  Thee 
through  Jesus  Christ,  that  Thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  give  this  our  fellow  brother  repentance  unto  life, 
and  us  cause  to  rejoice  in  his  conversion.  We 
beseech  Thee,  show  him  Thy  mercy,  that  he  may 
become  more  and  more  assured  in  his  mind  of  the 


CHURCH    DISCIPLINE.  93 

remission  of  his  sins,  and  that  he  may  receive  from 
thence  inexpressible  joy  and  delight  to  serve  Thee. 
And  whereas  he  hath  heretofore  by  his  sins  offended 
many,  grant  that  he  may,  by  his  conversion,  edify 
many.  Grant  also  that  he  may  steadfastly  walk  in 
Thy  ways,  to  the  end  ;  and  may  we  learn  from  this 
example,  that  with  Thee  is  mercy,  that  Thou  may- 
est  be  feared  ;  and  that  we,  counting  him  for  our 
brother  and  co-heir  of  life  eternal,  may  jointly  serve 
Thee  with  filial  fear  and  obedience  all  the  days  ot 
our  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in  whose 
Name  we  thus  conclude  our  prayer: 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 
be  done  In  earth,  As  it  is  in  heaven  :  Give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  And  forgive 
us  our  debts,  As  we  forgive  our  debtors: 
and  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil:  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 


94  LITURGY. 


IX. 

Forms  of  Ordination, 


i. 

FOR  ORDAINING   THE    MINISTERS   OF  GOD'S 
WORD. 

The  sermon  and  the  usual  prayers  being  finished,  the  Minister  shall  thus  spsak 
to  the  Congregation  : 

Beloved  Brethren  :  it  is  known  unto  you,  that 
we  have  now  at  three  different  times  published  the 
name  of  our  brother  N.,  here  present,  to  learn 
whether  any  person  had  aught  to  offer  concerning 
his  doctrine  or  life,  why  he  might  not  be  ordained 
to  the  Ministry  of  the  Word.  And,  whereas,  no 
one  hath  appeared  before  us,  who  hath  alleged 
any  thing  lawful  against  his  person,  we  shall  there- 
fore at  present,  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  proceed 
to  his  ordination.  For  which  purpose,  )rou  N., 
and  all  those  who  are  here  present,  shall  first  at- 
tend to  a  short  declaration  taken  from  the  Word 
of  God,  touching  the  Institution  and  the  Office 
of  Pastors  and  Ministers  of  God's  Word  : 

Where,  in  the  first  place,  you  are  to  observe,  that 
God  our  Heavenly  Father,  willing  to  call  and 
gather  a  Church  from  amongst  the  corrupt  race  of 
men  unto  life  eternal,  doth  by  a  particular  mark  of 
His  favor  use  the  ministry  of  men  therein.     There- 


ORDINATION.  95 

ore  the  Apostle  Paul  saith,  that  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  "gave  some,  apostles;  and  some,  proph- 
ets ;  and  some,  evangelists  ;  and  some,  pastors  and 
teachers ;  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  foi  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body 
of  Christ."  Here  we  see  that  the  Holy  Apostle 
among  other  things  saith,  that  the  Pastoral  office  is 
an  Institution  of  Christ. 

What  this  Holy  Office  enjoins,  may  easily  be  ga- 
thered from  the  very  name  itself;  for  as  it  is  the 
duty  of  a  common  shepherd,  to  feed,  guide,  protect, 
and  rule  the  flock  committed  to  his  charge  ;  so  it  is 
with  regard  to  these  spiritual  shepherds,  who  are 
set  over  the  Church  which  God  calleth  unto  salva- 
tion, and  counts  as  sheep  of  His  pasture.  The  pas- 
ture with  which  these  sheep  are  fed,  is  nothing  but 
the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  accompanied  with 
Prayer,  and  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments. The  same  Word  of  God  is  likewise  the  staff 
with  which  the  flock  is  guided  and  ruled.  Conse- 
quently, it  is  evident  that  the  office  of  Pastors  and 
Ministers  of  God's  Word  is  : 

First,  That  they  faithfully  explain  to  their  flock, 
tne  Word  of  the  Lord,  revealed  by  the  writings  of 
the  prophets  and  the  apostles;  and  apply  the  same, 
as  well  in  general  as  in  particular,  to  the  edification 
of  the  hearers ;  instructing,  admonishing,  comfort- 
ing, and  reproving,  according  to  every  one's  need  ; 
preaching  repentance  towards  God,  and  reconcilia- 
tion with  Him  through  faith  in  Christ ;  and  refuting 
with  the  Holy  Scriptures  all  schisms  and  heresies 
which  are   repugnant  to  the  pure  doctrine.      All 


96  LITURGY. 

this  is  clearly  signified  to  us  in  Holy  Writ ;  for  the 
Apostle  Paul  saith,  that  these  labor  in  the  Word  ; 
and  elsewhere  he  teaches  that  this  must  be  done 
according  to  the  measure  [or  rule]  of  faith.  He 
writes  also  that  a  Pastor  must  hold  fast  and  rightly 
divide  the  faithful  and  sincere  Word  which  is  ac- 
cording to  the  doctrine  :  "  likewise,  he  that  prophe- 
sieth  [that  is,  preacheth  God's  Word],  speaketh  un- 
to men  to  edification,  and  exhortation,  and  comfort.' 
In  another  place,  he  proposes  himself  as  a  pattern 
to  Pastors,  declaring  that  he  "  publicly,  and  from 
nouse  to  house,  taught,  and  testified  repentance  to- 
wards God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  But  particularly  we  have  a  clear  descrip- 
tion of  the  office  of  Ministers  of  God's  Word,  (2 
Cor.  5  :  18-20),  where  the  Apostle  thus  speaketh, 
"And  all  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled 
us  to  Himself  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  hath  given  to  us 
[namely  to  the  Apostles  and  Pastors],  the  ministry 
of  reconciliation  ;  to  wit,  that  God  was  in  Christ, 
reconciling  the  world  unto  Himself,  not  imputing 
their  trespasses  unto  them ;  and  hath  committed 
unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation.  Now,  then,  we 
are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as  though  God  did  be- 
seech  you  by  us :  we  pray  you  in  Christ's  stead,  be 
ye  reconciled  to  God."  Concerning  the  refutation 
of  false  doctrine,  the  same  Apostle  saith  (Tit.  1 :  9), 
that  a  Minister  must  "  hold  fast  the  faithful  Word 
of  God,  that  he  may  be  able  by  sound  doctrine  both 
to  exhort  and  convince  the  gainsayers." 

Secondly.  It  is  the  Office  of  the  Ministers,  publicly 
to  call  upon  the  Name  of  the  Lord  in  behalf  of  the 


ORDINATION.  97 

whole  congregation ;  for  that  which  the  Apostles 
say,  "  We  will  give  ourselves  continually  to  prayer, 
and  to  the  ministry  of  the  Word,"  is  common  to 
these  Pastors  and  the  Apostles ;  to  which  St.  Paul, 
alluding,  thus  speaketh  to  Timothy :  "  I  exhort, 
therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications,  prayers, 
intercessions  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all 
men :  for  kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority," 
etc.,  (i  Tim.  2:  i,  2). 

Thirdly.  Their  Office  is  to  administer  the  Sacra- 
ments which  the  Lord  hath  instituted  as  seals  of 
His  grace;  as  is  evident  from  the  command  given 
by  Christ  to  the  Apostles,  and  in  them  to  all  Pas- 
tors :  "  Baptize  them  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Likewise, 
"  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also 
I  delivered  unto  you,"  etc. 

Finally.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Ministers  of  the 
Word,  to  keep  the  Church  of  God  in  good  disci- 
pline, and  to  govern  it  in  such  a  manner  as  the 
Lord  hath  ordained.  For  Christ,  having  spoken  of 
the  Christian  discipline,  says  to  His  Apostles, 
"  Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound 
in  heaven."  And  St.  Paul  will  have  the  Ministers 
know  how  to  rule  their  own  house,  since  they 
otherwise  neither  can  provide  for,  nor  rule  the 
Church  of  God.  This  is  the  reason  why  the  Pastors 
are  in  Scripture  called  Stewards  of  God  and Bishops \ 
that  is,  overseers  and  watchmen  ;  for  they  have  the 
oversight  of  the  house  of  God,  wherein  they  are 
conversant,  to  the  end  that  every  thing  may  be 
transacted  with  good  order  and  decency  ;  and,  also, 


98  LITURGY. 

that  they  may  open  and  shut,  with  the  keys  of  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven  committed  to  them,  according 
to  the  charge  given  them  by  God. 

From  these  things  may  be  learned,  what  a  glori- 
ous work  the  Ministerial  Office,  is  ;  since  so  great 
things  are  effected  by  it ;  yea,  how  highly  neces- 
sary it  is  for  man's  salvation :  which  is  also  the 
reason  why  the  Lord  will  have  such  an  Office  always 
to  remain.  For  Christ  said  when  He  sent  forth  His 
Apostles  to  officiate  in  this  holy  function,  "  Lo,  I 
am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world  ;"  where  we  see  His  pleasure  is,  that  this 
Holy  Office,  (for  the  persons  to  whom  he  here  speak- 
eth  could  not  live  to  the  end  of  the  world),  should 
always  be  maintained  on  earth.  And,  therefore,  St. 
Paul  exhorted  Timothy,  "  to  commit  that  which  he 
had  heard  of  him  to  faithful  men,  who  should  be 
able  to  teach  others";  as  he  also,  having  ordained 
Titus,  minister,  further  commanded  him  to  "  ordain 
elders  in  every  city,"  (Tit.  1  : 5). 

Forasmuch  therefore  as  we,  for  the  maintaining 
of  this  office  in  the  Church  of  God,  are  now  to  or- 
dain a  new  Minister  of  the  Word,  and  have  suffi- 
ciently spoken  of  the  Office  of  such  persons;  there 
fore  you,  N.,  shall  answer  to  the  following  questions; 
to  the  end  that  it  may  appear  to  all  here  present, 
that  you  are  inclined  to  accept  of  this  Office  as 
above  described. 

First.  I  ask  thee,  dost  thou  feel  in  thy  heart  that 
thou  art  lawfully  called  of  God's  Church,  and 
therefore,  of  God  Himself,  to  this  Holy  Ministry  ? 

Secondly.  Dost  thou  believe  the  books  of  the  Old 


ORDINATION.  99 

and  New  Testament  to  be  the  only  Word  of  God 
and  the  perfect  doctrine  unto  salvation  ;  and  dost 
thou  reject  all  doctrines  repugnant  thereto? 

Thirdly.  Dost  thou  promise  faithfully  to  dis- 
charge thy  office,  according  to  the  same  doctrine  as 
above  described,  and  to  adorn  it  with  a  godly  life ; 
also,  to  submit  thyself,  in  case  thou  shouldst  be- 
come delinquent,  either  in  life  or  doctrine,  to  eccle- 
siastical admonition,  according  to  the  public  ordi* 
nance  of  the  churches  ? 

To  which  the  Candidate  shall  give  answer: 

Anstver.  Yes,  truly,  with  all  my  heart. 

Then  the  Minister,  who  did  demand  those  questions  of  him,  and  other  Minis- 
ters who  are  present,  shall  lay  their  hands  *  on  his  head  and  say  : 

God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  hath  called  thee 
to  this  Holy  Ministry,  enlighten  thee  with  His  Holy 
Spirit ;  strengthen  thee  with  His  hand  ;  and  so  gov- 
ern thee  in  thy  Ministry,  that  thou  mayest  decently 
and  fruitfully  walk  therein,  to  the  glory  of  His 
Name,  and  the  propagation  of  the  Kingdom  of  His 
Son  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Then  the  Minister  shall,  from  the  pulpit,  exhort  the  ordained  Minister,  and  tfct 
congregation,  in  the  following  manner  : 

Take  heed,  therefore,  beloved  brother  and  fellow- 
servant  in  Christ,  unto  yourself  and  to  all  the  flock, 
over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  Over- 
seer, to  feed  the  Church  of  God  which  He  hath 
purchased  with  His  own  blood :  love  Christ,  and 

•  This  ceremony  shall  not  be  used  In  ordaining  those  who  have  before  been  in 
th«  ralntHtry 


IOO  LITURGY. 

feed  His  sheep,  taking  the  oversight  of  them  not  by 
constraint,  but  willingly  ;  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but 
of  a  ready  mind  ;  neither  as  being  lord  over  God's 
heritage,  but  as  an  example  to  the  flock.  Be  an 
example  of  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in 
charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  Give  attend- 
ance to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine.  Neg- 
lect not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee ;  meditate  upon 
these  things ;  give  thyself  wholly  to  them,  that  thy 
profiting  may  appear  to  all ;  take  heed  to  thy  doc- 
trine, and  continue  steadfast  therein.  Bear  pa- 
tiently all  sufferings  and  oppressions,  as  a  rz^t  sol- 
dier of  Jesus  Christ  ;  for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt 
both  save  thyself  and  them  that  hear  thee.  And 
when  the  Chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  thou  shalt 
receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 

And  you,  likewise,  beloved  Christians,  receive 
this  your  Minister  in  the  Lord  with  all  gladness, 
'and  hold  such  in  reputation."  Remember  that 
God  Himself  through  him  speaketh  unto  you  and 
beseecheth  you.  Receive  the  word,  which  he,  ac- 
cording to  the  Scripture,  shall  preach  unto  you, 
"not  as  the  word  of  man,  but,  as  it  is  in  truth,  the 
Word  of  God."  Let  the  feet  of  those  that  preach 
the  Gospel  of  Peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good 
things,  be  beautiful  and  pleasant  unto  you.  Obey 
them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit  your- 
selves; for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that 
must  give  account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy, 
and  not  with  grief ;  for  that  is  unprofitable  foi 
you.  If  you  do  these  things,  it  shall  come  to  pass. 
that  the  peace  of  God  shall  enter  into  your  houses. 


ORDINATION.  IOI 

and  that  you,  who  receive  this  man  in  the  name  of 
a  prophet,  shall  receive  a  prophet's  reward,  and 
through  his  preaching,  believing  in  Christ,  you  shall 
through  Christ  inherit  life  eternal.  Since  no  man 
is  of  himself  fit  for  any  of  these  things,  let  us  call 
upon  God  with  thanksgiving: 

PRAYER. 

Merciful  Father,  we  thank  Thee  that  it  pleaseth 
Thee,  by  the  ministry  of  men,  to  gather  a  Church 
to  Thyself  unto  life  eternal,  from  among  the  lost 
children  of  men.  We  bless  Thee  for  so  graciously 
providing  the  Church  in  this  place  with  a  faithful 
Minister.  We  beseech  Thee  to  qualify  him  daily 
more  and  more  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  for  the  ministry 
to  which  Thou  hast  ordained  and  called  him.  En- 
lighten his  understanding  to  comprehend  Thy  Holy 
Word,  and  give  him  utterance,  that  he  may  boldly 
open  his  mouth,  to  make  known  and  dispense  the 
mysteries  of  the  Gospel.  Endue  him  with  wisdom 
and  valor  to  rule  aright  the  people  over  which  he 
is  set,  and  to  preserve  them  in  Christian  peace ;  to 
the  end  that  Thy  Church,  under  his  administration 
and  by  his  good  example,  may  increase  in  number 
and  in  virtue.  Grant  him  courage  to  bear  the  diffi- 
culties and  troubles  which  he  may  meet  with  in  his 
ministry  ;  that  being  strengthened  by  the  comfort  of 
Thy  Spirit,  he  may  remain  steadfast  to  the  end,  and 
be  received  with  all  faithful  servants  into  the  joy  of 
His  Master. 
Give  Thy  grace  also  to  this  people  and  Church, 


102  LITURGY. 

that  they  may  becomingly  deport  themselves  to 
wards  this  their  Minister  ;  that  they  may  acknowl- 
edge him  to  be  sent  of  Thee  ;  that  they  may  receive 
his  doctrine  with  all  reverence  and  submit  them- 
selves to  his  exhortations  ;  to  the  end  that  they  may, 
by  his  word,  believing  in  Christ,  be  made  partakers 
of  eternal  life.  Hear  us,  O  Father,  through  Thy 
Beloved  Son,  who  hath  taught  us  to  pray : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 
be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  glve 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors:  and 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil:  For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    amen 


ORDINATION. 


I03 


II. 

FOR  ORDAINING  ELDERS  AND   DEACONS.* 

When  Ordained  at  the  same  time  ;  if  Ordained  separately,  this  Form  shall  be  used 
as  occasion  requires. 

Beloved  Christians  :  you  know  that  we  have 
several  times  published  unto  you  the  names  of  our 
brethren  here  present,  who  are  chosen  to  the  office 
of  Elders  and  Deacons  in  this  Church,  to  the  end 
that  we  might  know  whether  any  person  had  aught 
to  allege,  why  they  should  not  be  ordained  to  their 
respective  offices.  And,  whereas,  no  one  hath  ap- 
peared before  us,  who  hath  alleged  anything  lawful 
against  them,  we  shall,  therefore,  at  present,  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  proceed  to  their  ordination. 

But  first,  you,  who  are  to  be  ordained,  and  all 
those  who  are  here  present,  shall  attend  to  a  short 
declaration  from  the  Word  of  God,  concerning  the 
institution  and  the  office  of  Elders  and  Deacons. 

Of  the  Elders  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  the  word 
Elder  or  Eldest  (which  is  taken  out  of  the  Old  Tes- 
tament, and  signifieth  a  person  who  is  placed  in  an 
honorable  office  of  government  over  others)  is  ap- 
plied to  two  sorts  of  persons  who  administer  in  the 
Church  of  Jesus  Christ :  for  the  Apostle  saith,  "  the 
Elders  that  rule  well  shall  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honor,  especially  they  who  labor  in  the  Word 
and  doctrine."  Hence,  it  is  evident  that  there  were 
two  sorts  of    Elders  in  the  Apostolic   Church,  the 


*  Elders  and  Deacons  may  be  re-elected  ;  but,    in  such  case,  need    not  be  re- 
ordained. — Constitution,  IV.,  7. 


104  LITURGY. 

former  whereof  did  labor  in  the  Word  and  doctrine, 
and  the  latter  did  not.  The  first  were  the  Ministers 
of  the  Word  and  Pastors,  who  preached  the  Gospel 
and  administered  the  Sacraments ;  but  the  others, 
who  did  not  labor  in  the  Word,  and  still  did  serve 
in  the  Church,  bore  a  particular  office,  namely,  that 
they  had  the  oversight  of  the  Church,  and  ruled  the 
same  with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word.  For  St.  Paul 
{Rom.  12:8),  having  spoken  of  the  ministry  of  the 
Word,  and  also  of  the  office  of  distribution  or 
deaconship,  speaketh  afterwards  particularly  of  this 
office,  saying :  "  He  that  ruleth,  let  him  do  it  with 
diligence."  Likewise,  in  another  place,  he  counts 
"  governments  "  among  the  gifts  and  offices  which 
God  hath  instituted  in  the  Church  (i  Cor.  12:28). 
Thus  we  see  that  these  sorts  of  Ministers  are  added 
to  the  others  who  preach  the  Gospel,  to  aid  and 
assist  them,  as  in  the  Old  Testament  the  common 
Levites  were  to  the  priests  in  the  service  of  the 
tabernacle,  in  those  things  which  they  could  not 
perform  alone ;  notwithstanding,  the  offices  always 
remained  distinct  one  from  the  other. 

Moreover,  it  is  proper  that  such  men  should  be 
joined  to  the  Ministers  of  the  Word  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Church,  that  thereby  all  tyranny  and 
lording  may  be  kept  out  of  the  Church  of  God,  which 
may  sooner  creep  in,  when  the  government  is  placed 
in  the  hands  of  one  alone,  or  of  a  very  few.  And 
thus,  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  together  with  the 
Elders,  form  a  body  or  assembly,  being  as  a  council 
of  the  Church,  representing  the  whole  Church  ;  to 
which  Christ  alludes  when  He  saith :  "  Tell  the 
Church:"  which  can  in  no  wise  be  understood  of  all 


ORDINATION.  IO5 

and  every  member  of  the  Church,  in  particular,  but 
very  properly  of  those  who  govern  the  Church,  out 
of  which  they  are  chosen. 

Therefore,  in  the  first  place,  the  office  of  the  Elders 
is,  together  with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  to  take 
the  oversight  of  the  Church,  which  is  committed  to 
them,  and  diligently  to  look,  whether  every  one 
properly  deports  himself  in  his  confession  and  con- 
versation ;  to  admonish  those  who  behave  themselves 
disorderly,  and  to  prevent,  as  much  as  possible,  the 
Sacraments  from  being  profaned  ;  also  to  act,  accord- 
ing to  the  Christian  discipline,  against  the  impenu 
tent,  and  to  receive  the  penitent  again  into  the 
bosom  of  the  Church  :  as  it  doth  appear,  not  only 
from  the  above  mentioned  saying  of  Christ,  but  also 
from  many  other  places  of  Holy  Writ  (as  I  Cor.  5, 
and  2  Cor.  2),  that  these  things  are  not  entrusted 
to  only  one  or  two  persons,  but  to  many  who  are 
ordained  thereto. 

Secondly.  Since  the  Apostle  enjoineth,  that  all 
things  shall  be  done  decently  and  in  order,  amongst 
Christians,  and  that  no  other  persons  ought  to  serve 
in  the  Church  of  Christ  but  those  who  are  lawfully 
called,  according  to  the  Christian  ordinance  ;  there- 
fore it  is  also  the  duty  of  the  Elders  to  pay  regard 
to  it,  and  in  all  occurrences  which  relate  to  the  wel- 
fare and  good  order  of  the  Church,  to  be  assistant 
with  their  good  counsel  and  advice  to  the  Ministers 
of  the  Word ;  yea,  also,  to  serve  all  Christians  with 
advice  and  consolation. 

Thirdly.  It  is  also  their  duty  particularly  to  have 
regard  unto  the  doctrine  and  conversation  of  the 
Ministers  of  the  Word,  to  the  end   that  all  things 


106  LI1URGY. 

may  be  directed  to  the  edification  of  the  Church ; 
and  that  no  strange  doctrine  be  taught,  according  to 
that  which  we  read  (Acts  20),  where  the  Apostle  ex- 
horteth  to  watch  diligently  against  the  wolves, 
which  might  come  into  the  sheep-fold  of  Christ :  for 
the  performance  of  which  the  Elders  are  in  duty 
bound  diligently  to  search  the  Word  of  God  ;  and 
continually  to  be  meditating  on  the  mysteries  of 
faith. 

Concerning  the  Deacons:  of  the  origin  and 
institution  of  their  office  we  may  read,  Acts  6,  where 
we  find  that  the  Apostles  themselves  did  in  the  be- 
ginning serve  the  poor  ;  at  whose  feet  was  brought 
the  price  of  the  things  that  were  sold :  and  distribu- 
tion was  made  unto  every  man  according  as  he  had 
need.  But  afterwards,  when  a  murmuring  arose,  be- 
cause the  widows  of  the  Grecians  were  neglected  in 
the  daily  ministration,  men  were  chosen,  by  the  ad- 
vice of  the  Apostles,  who  should  make  the  service 
of  the  poor  their  peculiar  business,  to  the  end  that 
the  Apostles  might  continually  give  themselves  to 
prayer,  and  to  the  Ministry  of  the  Word. 

And  this  has  been  continued  from  that  time  for- 
ward in  the  Church,  as  appears  from  Rom.  12:8, 
where  the  Apostle,  speaking  of  this  office,  saith, 
u  He  that  giveth,  let  him  do  it  zvitJi  simplicity!'  And 
(1  Cor.  12  :  28),  speaking  of  "helps,"  he  means  those 
who  are  appointed  in  the  Church  to  help  and  assist 
the  poor  and  indigent  in  time  of  need  ;  from  which 
passage  we  may  easily  gather,  what  the  Deacons' 
office  is ;  namely: 

That  they,  in  the  first  place,  collect  and  preserve, 
with  greatest   fidelity  and   diligence,  the  alms  and 


ORDINATION.  I07 

goods  which  are  given  to  the  poor ;  yea,  use  their 
utmost  endeavors,  that  many  good  means  be  pro- 
cured for  the  relief  of  the  poor. 

The  second  part  of  their  office  consists  in  distribu- 
tion ;  wherein  are  required  not  only  discretion  and 
prudence,  to  bestow  the  alms  only  on  objects  of 
charity,  but  also  cheerfulness  and  simplicity  to  as- 
sist the  poor  with  compassion  and  hearty  affection  ; 
as  the  Apostle  requires  {Rom.  12,  and  2  Cor.  9). 
For  which  end  it  is  very  beneficial,  that  they  admin- 
ister relief  to  the  poor  and  indigent,  not  only  with 
external  gifts,  but  also  with  comfortable  words  from 
Scripture. 

To  the  end,  therefore,  beloved  brethren,  N.,  N., 
that  every  one  may  hear  that  you  are  willing  to 
take  your  respective  offices  upon  you,  ye  shall  an- 
swer the  following  questions  : 

And  in  the  first  place,  I  ask  you,  both  Elders  and 
Deacons,  whether  ye  feel  in  your  hearts,  that  ye  are 
lawfully  called  of  God's  Church,  and  consequently 
of  God  Himself,  to  these  your  respective  holy 
offices. 

Secondly.  Do  ye  believe  the  books  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament  to  be  the  only  Word  of  God,  and 
the  perfect  doctrine  of  salvation  ;  and  do  ye  reject 
all  doctrines  repugnant  thereto  ? 

Thirdly.  Do  ye  promise,  agreeably  to  said  doc- 
trine, faithfully  according  to  your  ability,  to  dis- 
charge your  respective  offices,  as  they  are  here  de- 
scribed :  Ye  Elders,  in  the  government  of  the  Church 
together  with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word  :  and  ye 
Deacons,  in  the  ministrations  to  the  poor :  Do  ye 
also  jointly  premise  to  walk  in  all  godliness,  and  to 


IOS  LITURGY 


submit  yourselves,  in  case  ye  should   become  remiss 
in  your  duty,  to  the  admonitions  of  the  Church? 

Upon  which  they  shall  answer: 

Yes. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

The  Almighty  God  and  Father  replenish  you  all 
with  His  grace,  that  ye  may  faithfully  and  fruitfully 
discharge  your  respective  offices.     Amen. 

The  Minister  shall  further  exhort  them,  and  the  whole  congregation,  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner : 

Therefore,  ye  Elders,  be  diligent  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Church,  which  is  committed  to  you,  and 
the  Ministers  of  the  Word.  Be  ye  also,  as  watch- 
men over  the  house  and  city  of  God,  faithful  to  ad- 
monish and  to  caution  every  one  against  his  ruin. 
Take  heed  that  purity  of  doctrine  and  godliness  of 
life  be  maintained  in  the  Church  of  God. 

And,  ye  Deacons,  be  diligent  in  collecting  the 
alms,  prudent  and  cheerful  in  the  distribution  of  the 
same  :  assist  the  oppressed,  provide  for  the  true 
widows  and  orphans,  show  liberality  unto  all  men, 
but  especially  to  the  household  of  faith.  Be  ye  all 
with  one  accord  faithful  in  your  offices,  and  hold 
the  mystery  of  the  faith  in  a  pure  conscience,  being 
good  examples  unto  all  the  people.  In  so  doing 
you  will  purchase  to  yourselves  a  good  degree,  and 
great  boldness  in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
and  hereafter  enter  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord. 

On  the  other  hand,   beloved    Christians,  receive 


ORDINATION. 


109 


these  men  as  the  servants  of  God.  Count  the  Eld- 
ers that  rule  well,  worthy  of  double  honor.  Give 
yourselves  willingly  to  their  inspection  and  govern- 
ment. Provide  the  Deacons  with  good  means  to 
assist  the  indigent.  Be  charitable,  ye  rich  ;  give 
liberally,  and  contribute  willingly.  And,  ye  poor,  be 
poor  in  spirit,  and  deport  yourself  respectfully  to- 
wards your  benefactors.  Be  thankful  to  them,  and 
avoid  murmuring.  Follow  Christ,  for  the  food  of 
your  souls,  but  not  for  bread.  Let  him  that  stole, 
(or  hath  been  burthensome  to  his  neighbor,)  steal  no 
more  ;  but  rather  let  him  labor,  working  with  his 
hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to 
give  to  him  that  needeth. 

Each  of  you,  doing  these  things  in  your  respective 
callings,  shall  receive  of  the  Lord,  the  reward  of 
righteousness.  But  since  we  are  unable  of  our- 
selves, let  us  call    upon  the  name  of   the  Lord,  say- 


ing: 


PRAYER 


O  LORD  God  and  Heavenly  Father,  we  thank 
Thee  that  it  hath  pleased  Thee,  for  the  better  edifi- 
cation of  Thy  Church,  to  ordain  in  it,  besides  the 
Ministers  of  the  Word,  rulers  and  assistants,  by 
whom  Thy  Church  may  be  preserved  in  peace  and 
prosperity,  and  the  indigent  assisted ;  and  that  Thou 
hast  at  present  granted  us  in  this  place,  men  who 
are  of  good  testimony,  and  we  hope,  endowed  with 
^hy  Spirit.  We  beseech  Thee,  replenish  them 
more  and  more  with  such  gifts  as  may  be  necessary 
for  them  in  their    ministrations  ;  with  the    gifts  of 


IIO  LITURGY. 

wisdom,  courage,  discretion,  and  benevolence ;  to 
the  end  that  every  one,  may,  in  his  respective  office, 
acquit  himself  as  is  becoming ;  the  Elders,  in  taking 
diligent  heed  unto  the  doctrine  and  conversation, 
in  keeping  out  the  wolves  from  the  sheepfold  of 
Thy  beloved  Son,  and  in  admonishing  and  reprov- 
ing disorderly  persons  :  in  like  manner,  the  Deacons, 
in  carefully  receiving,  and  liberally  and  prudently 
distributing  the  alms  to  the  poor,  and  in  comfort- 
ing them  with  Thy  Holy  Word.  Give  grace  both 
to  the  Elders  and  Deacons,  that  they  may  persevere 
in  their  faithful  labor,  and  never  become  weary  by 
reason  of  any  trouble,  pain,  or  persecution  of  the 
world.  Grant,  also,  especially  Thy  divine  grace  to 
this  people,  over  whom  they  are  placed,  that  they 
may  willingly  submit  themselves  to  the  good  ex- 
hortations of  the  Elders,  counting  them  worthy  of 
honor  for  their  works'  sake.  Give  also  unto  the  rich 
liberal  hearts  towards  the  poor,  and  to  the  poor, 
grateful  hearts  towards  those  who  help  and  serve 
them ;  to  the  end  that  every  one  acquitting  himself 
of  his  duty,  Thy  Holy  Name  may  thereby  be  mag- 
nified, and  the  kingdom  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
enlarged,  in  whose  Name  we  conclude  our  prayers : 

Our    Father     who   art    in    heaven,     Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  Name:  Thy  kingdom  come:  Thy 

WILL  BE  DONE  IN  EARTH,  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  :  GlVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD:  AND  FORGIVE  US 
OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS:  AND 
LEAD    US   NOT   INTO   TEMPTATION,  BUT   DELIVER  US 

from  evil:  For  Thine  is  the  Kingdom,  and 
the  Power,  and  the  Glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 


INSTALLATION    OF   A   MINISTER. 


Office  for  the  installation 
of  a  minister. 


The  sermon  and  nsual  prayers  being  ended,  the  Minister  presiding  shall  say : 

Beloved  brethren  :  it  is  known  unto  you  that  at 
three  separate  times,  has  been  published  to  you  the 
name  of  our  brother,  here  present,  to  learn  whether 
any  person  had  aught  to  allege  concerning  his  doc- 
trine or  life,  why  he  might  not  be  installed  Min- 
ister of  this  church  :  And  whereas  no  lawful  objec- 
tion has  been  presented,  we  shall,  therefore,  in  the 
Name  of  the  Lord,  proceed  to  his  installation. 

For  His  own  glory  in  the  salvation  of  men,  it 
hath  pleased  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  institute  va- 
rious offices  in  His  Church.  Accordingly,  it  is  de- 
clared in  Holy  Scripture,  that  our  ascended  Lord 
hath  given  "  some,  apostles,  and  some,  prophets,  and 
some,  evangelists,  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers, 
for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ." 
Of  these,  in  the  present  condition  of  the  Church, 
the  pastoral  office  is  the  first  both  in  dignity  and 


112  LITURGY. 

responsibility.  It  is  instituted  by  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

It  belongs  to  the  Office  of  a  Minister  of  Christ  to 
present  the  worship  of  the  people  to  God  ;  to  read 
the  Holy  Scriptures  in  the  public  service ;  to  feed 
the  flock  committed  to  his  charge  with  the  pure 
Gospel  of  Christ ;  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments agreeably  to  the  institution  of  Christ ;  to 
maintain  Christian  discipline  ;  to  comfort  them  that 
are  afflicted  in  mind,  body,  or  estate  ;  to  reclaim 
the  erring,  having  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and 
on  them  that  are  out  of  the  way  ;  to  teach,  direct, 
counsel  as  a  father,  the  children  ;  and  thus,  in  all  vi- 
gilant and  faithful  service  to  make  full  proof  of  his 
ministry. 

In  the  discharge  of  these  holy  functions,  he  is 
entitled  to  the  respect,  gratitude,  love,  and  obedi- 
ence of  the  people  of  his  charge.  It  is  incumbent 
on  them  by  the  will  and  command  of  Him  that  sent 
him,  to  receive  him  as  the  ambassador  of  Christ. 
By  a  suitable  maintenance  to  enable  him  to  provide 
things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men  ;  to  keep  him 
free  of  distracting  care  ;  to  guard  jealously  his  re- 
putation ;  to  wait  on  his  ministry  with  reverence 
and  affection  ;  to  help  him  by  generous  sympathy, 
and  faithful  fellow-working  and  earnest  prayer;  to 
submit  to  his  guidance;  to  further  his  work,  and  to 
be  followers  of  him  as  he  is  of  Christ;  as  the  holy 
Apostle  enjoins  : 

11  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and 
submit  yourselves,  for  they  watch  for  your  souls  as 
they  that  must  give  ac^-;nt,  that  they  may  do  it 


INSTALLATION    OF    A    MINiJTZft.  J1J 

with  joy  and  not  with  grief ;';  and  again,  "  We  be- 
seech  you  to  know  them  which  labor  among  you 
and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  to  esteem  them 
very  highly  in  love  for  their  work's  sake." 

To  the  end,  then,  beloved  Brother  and  fellow-Min- 
ister of  Christ,  that  it  may  appear  that  thou  art 
willing  to  take  the  oversight  of  this  flock  of  God 
to  which  He  has  called  thee  in  His  holy  providence 
we  demand  of  thee,  in  the  presence  of  God  and 
these  witnesses  : 

i.  Dost  thou  believe  the  books  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament  to  be  the  only  Word  of  God  and 
the  perfect  doctrine  unto  salvation,  and  dost  thou 
reject  all  doctrines  repugnant  thereto? 

2.  Dost  thou  promise  faithfully  to  discharge  thine 
office  according  to  the  same  doctrine,  and  to  adorn 
it  with  a  godly  life  ;  also  to  submit  thyself,  in  case 
thou  shouldst  become  delinquent  either  in  life  or 
doctrine,  to  ecclesiastical  admonition,  according  to 
the  public  ordinance  of  the  churches  ? 

3.  Wilt  thou  with  the  help  of  God,  fulfil  all 
the  duty  of  a  faithful  Minister  of  Christ  to  this 
Church,  preaching  the  Word  of  God  in  sincerity, 
administering  the  Holy  Sacraments  in  purity ;  main- 
taining proper  discipline  in  the  house  of  God  ;  and 
using  thy  whole  endeavor  to  promote  the  denomi- 
national work  and  welfare  of  the  Reformed  Churcb 
in  America? 

Tc  which  the  Minister  Elect  shall  give  answer : 

Yes,  truly,  with  all  mv  heart. 


114  LITURGY. 

Then  the  Minister  presiding  shall  say 

God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  hath  called  thee 
to  the  Holy  Ministry,  and  to  take  the  oversight  ol 
this  Church,  enlighten  thee  with  His  Holy  Spirit , 
strengthen  thee  with  His  hand  ;  and  so  govern  thee 
in  thy  Ministry,  that  thou  mayest  decently  and  fruit- 
fully walk  therein,  to  the  glory  of  His  Name,  and 
to  the  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of  His  Son 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

The  Church  haying  been  requested  to  arise,  the  Minister  Presiding  shall  say : 

Inasmuch,  Beloved  Brethren  and  Members  of  this 
Church,  as  this  most  solemn  procedure  of  investing 
our  brother  with  the  charge  and  oversight  of  you, 
involves,  as  well,  obligations  and  duties  on  your  part 
toward  him  :  I  ask  of  you  before  God  and  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ : 

i.  Do  you  hereby  receive,  in  the  Name  of  the 
Lord,  His  servant,  our  brother,  to  be  your  Min- 
ister ? 

2.  Do  you  promise  to  receive  the  word  of  truth 
from  his  lips  with  meekness  and  love ;  and  to  sub- 
mit to  him  in  the  due  discharge  of  his  Holy  Office  ? 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  give  him  all  proper  love 
and  obedience  in  the  Lord  ;  to  encourage  and  help 
him  in  his  holy  work ;  and  to  labor  with  him  in 
faith  and  prayer,  for  the  honor  of  Christ  and  the 
welfare  of  men  ? 

4.  Do  you  engage  to  continue  to  him,  while  he 
remains  your  Minister,  competent  worldly  main- 
tenance, as  you  have  promised,   and  whatever   else 


INSTALLATION    OF    A    MINISTER.  II5 

the  honor  of  religion  and  his  comfort  among  you 
may  require  ? 
To  which  they  shall  give  answer  audibly : 

Yes! 

Then  the  Minister  Presiding  shall  exhort  the  installed  Minister  and  Congrega 
Hon  in  the  following  manner  : 

Take  heed,  therefore,  beloved  brother,  and  fel- 
low-servant in  Christ,  unto  yourself  and  to  all  the 
flock,  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you 
Overseer,  to  feed  the  Church  of  God  which  He  hath 
purchased  with  His  own  blood  :  love  Christ,  and 
feed  His  sheep,  taking  the  oversight  of  them  not  by 
constraint,  but  willingly :  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but 
of  a  ready  mind ;  neither  as  being  lord  over  God's 
heritage,  but  as  an  example  to  the  flock.  Be  an 
example  of  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in 
charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  Give  attend- 
ance to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine.  Neg- 
lect not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee  ;  meditate  upon 
these  things,  give  thyself  wholly  to  them,  that  thy 
profiting  may  appear  to  all :  take  heed  to  thy  doc- 
trine, and  continue  steadfast  therein.  Bear  patient- 
ly all  hardship,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ, 
for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself  and 
them  that  hear  thee.  And  when  the  Chief  Shep- 
herd shall  appear,  thou  shalt  receive  a  crown  of 
glory  that  fadeth  nut  away. 

And  you  likewise,  beloved  Christians,  receive 
this  your  Minister  in  the  Lord,  with  all  gladness, 
1  and  hold  such  in  reputation.  "  Remember  that 
God  Himself,  through  him,  speaketh  unto  you  and 


Il6  LITURGY. 

bcseecheth  you.  Receive  the  Word,  which  he,  ac- 
cording to  the  Scripture,  shall  preach  unto  you, 
"  not  as  the  word  of  man,  but  (as  it  is  in  truth)  the 
Word  of  God."  Let  the  feet  of  those  that  preach 
the  Gospel  of  peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good 
things,  be  beautiful  and  pleasant  unto  you.  Obey 
them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit  your- 
selves ;  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that 
must  give  account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy 
and  not  with  grief;  for  that  is  unprofitable  for  you. 
If  you  do  these  things,  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that 
the  peace  of  God  shall  enter  into  your  houses,  and 
that  you  who  receive  this  man  in  the  name  of  a 
prophet,  shall  receive  a  prophet's  reward,  and 
through  his  preaching,  believing  in  Christ,  you  shall 
through  Christ  inherit  life  eternal. 

Since  no  man  is  of  himself  fit  for  any  of  these 
things,  let  us  call  upon  God  with  thanksgiving : 

PRAYER. 

Merciful  Father,  we  thank  Thee  that  it  pleaseth 
Thee,  by  the  ministry  of  men,  to  gather  a  Church 
to  Thyself  unto  life  eternal,  from  amongst  the  lost 
children  of  men.  We  bless  Thee  for  so  graciously 
providing  the  Church  in  this  place  with  a  faithful 
Minister.  We  beseech  Thee  to  qualify  him  daily 
more  and  more  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  the  ministry 
to  which  Thou  hast  ordained  and  called  him.  En- 
lighten his  understanding  to  comprehend  Thy  Holy 
Word,  and  give  him  utterance,  that  he  may  boldly 
open  his  mouth,  to  make  known  and  dispense  the 


INSTALLATION    OF    A    MINISTER.  II 7 

mysteries  of  the  gospel.  Endue  him  with  wisdom 
and  valor,  to  rule  the  people  aright  over  whom  he 
is  set,  and  to  preserve  them  in  Christian  peace ;  to 
the  end  that  Thy  Church,  under  his  administration 
and  by  his  good  example,  may  increase  in  number 
and  in  virtue.  Grant  him  courage  to  bear  the  diffi- 
culties and  troubles  which  he  may  meet  with  in  his 
ministry,  that  being  strengthened  by  the  comfort 
of  Thy  Spirit,  he  may  remain  steadfast  to  the  end, 
and  be  received  with  all  faithful  servants  into  the 
joy  of  his  Master. 

Give  Thy  grace  also  to  this  people  and  Church, 
that  they  may  becomingly  deport  themselves  to- 
wards this  their  Minister ;  that  they  may  acknow- 
ledge him  to  be  sent  of  Thee ;  that  they  may  re- 
ceive his  doctrine  with  all  reverence,  and  submit 
themselves  to  his  exhortations  :  to  the  end  that  they 
may  by  his  word,  believing  in  Christ,  be  made  par- 
takers of  eternal  life.  Hear  us,  O  Father,  through 
Thy  Beloved  Son,  who  hath  thus  taught  us  to  pray  ; 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 
be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heayen:  Give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors  :  and 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil:  For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    amen. 


fl8  LITURGY. 

The  Presiding  Officer  shall  then  say : 

In  the  name  of  the  Classis,  I  now  declare  that  the 

Pastoral  relation  between  the  Rev. and  the 

Church  of  is  fully  constituted,  and  that  the 

Rev. is  the  lawfully  installed  Pastor  of  this 

Church. 


LAYING  OF  A  CORJNER-STONE.  r  m 


XI. 


Office  for  the  laying  of  the  corner- 
stone  of  a  church  or  chapel. 


The  Minister  officiating  will  begin  the  service  with  the  Salutation  j 

Grace  be  unto  you  and  peace  from  God  our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

After  which  he  will  say  : 

Dearly  Beloved  :  We  are  here  assembled  in  the 
name  of  the  Triune  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost,  to  lay  the  corner-stone  of  a  house  to  be 
erected  to  His  honor  and  service,  and  praise.  With- 
in its  walls  His  Holy  Name  is  to  be  worshipped,  His 
Holy  Gospel  is  to  be  preached,  and  His  Holy  Sac- 
raments administered.  Knowing  that  our  help  is 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Who  made  heaven  and  earth, 
.et  us  lift  up  our  hearts  unto  Him  in  humble  sup* 
plication  for  His  blessing. 

PRAYER. 

O  Almighty  God,  Who  hast  built  Thy  Church 
upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets, 


J  20  LITURGY 

Jesus  Christ  Himself  being  the  Chief  Corner, 
stone ;  direct  us  in  this  our  undertaking  with  Thy 
most  gracious  favor,  and  further  us  with  Thy  con- 
tinual help,  that  all  our  work  being  begun,  con- 
tinued, and  ended  in  Thee,  we  may  glorify  Thy 
Holy  Nam^ ;  and  finally,  by  Thy  mercy,  obt?in 
everlasting  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  LoH 
Amen. 

Then  Bhall  be  cfc*nt«a  Nr  read  resDonaively  from  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Te» 
tainent : 

PSALM  87. 

1.  His  foui:d?tir>u  is  in  the  holy  mountains. 

2.  The  Lord  l^yeth  the  gates  of  Zion  more 
than  all  the  dwellings  of  jacob. 

3.  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  O  cky  o! 
God. 

4.  I     WILL      MAKE      MENTION     OF     RaHAB     AND 

Babylon  to  them  that  know  mf.  :  behold 
Philistia  and  Tyre,  with  Ethiopia  :  this  man 
was  born  there. 

5.  And  of  Zion  it  shall  be  said,  This  and  that 
man  was  born  in  her :  and  the  Highest  Himself  shall 
establish  her. 

6.  The  Lord  shall  count,  when  He  writeth 
up  the  people  that  this  man  was  born  there. 

7.  As  well  the  singers  as  the  players  on  instru- 
ments shall  be  there  :  all  my  springs  are  in  Thee. 

And  from  the  Scriptures  of  the  New  Testament,  shall  be  read  : 

ist  Epistle  of  PETER  2  :  1-9. 
I. WHEREFORE,  laying  aside    all  malice,   and    all 


LAYING   OF   A    CORNER-STONE.  121 

guile,   and   hypocrisies,  and  envies,  and   all   evil- 
speakings, 

2.  As  new-born  babes,  desire  the  sincere  milk  of 
the  word,  that  ye  may  grow  thereby : 

3.  If  so  be  ye  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gra 
cious : 

4.  To  Whom  coming,  as  unto  a  Living  Stone,  dis- 
allowed indeed  of  men,  but  chosen  of  God,  and  pre- 
cious : 

5.  Ye  also,  as  lively  stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual 
house,  an  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up  spiritual  sac 
rifices.  acceptable  to  God  by  Jesus  Christ. 

6.  Wherefore  also,  it  is  contained  in  the  scripture 
Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion  a  Chief  Corner-stone,  elect 
precious  :  and  he  that  believeth  on  Him  shall  not  be 
confounded. 

7.  Unto  you  therefore  which  believe,  He  is  pre- 
cious: but  unto  them  which  be  disobedient,  the 
stone  which  the  builders  disallowed,  the  same  is 
made  the  Head  of  the  corner, 

8.  And  a  stone  of  stumbling,  and  a  rock  of 
orience,  even  to  them  which  stumble  at  the  word, 
being  disobedient ;  whereunto  also  they  were  ap- 
pointed. 

9.  But  ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a  royal  priest- 
hood, an  holy  nation,  a  peculiar  people;  that  ye 
should  shew  forth  the  praises  of  Him  who  hath  call 
ed  you  out  of  darkness  into  His  marvelous  light. 


Then,  any  men  historical  or  descriptive  document  as  may  have  been  prepared 
to  be  deposited  in  the  Corner-stone  may  be  read,  and  the  stone  having  been 
set  in  its  place,  the  Minister,  laying  his  hand  upon  It,  or  striking  it  thrice 
with  a  mallet,  shall  say: 


1 23  LITURGY. 

I  lay  the  Corner-stone  of  a  house  to  be  erected, 
and  devoted  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God  ;  in 
the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.    Amen. 

Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid 
which  is  Jesus  Christ. 

Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they  labor  in 
vain  that  build  it. 

Then  snail  be  repeated,  in  unison,  the  Apostle's  Creed. 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son  our  Lord  , 
who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost;  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary  ;  suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate;  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried;    He 

DESCENDED  INTO  HELL*  ;THE  THIRD  DAY  He  ROSF 
AGAIN  FROM  THE  DEAD  ;  HE  ASCENDED  INTO  HEAV 
EN;   AND    SITTETH  AT   THE    RIGHT    HAND    OF    GOD 

the  Father  Almighty  ;  from  thence  He  shall 
come  to  Judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  saints  , 
the  forgiveness  of  sins  ;  the  resurrection  of 

THE  BODY;  AND  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.  AMKN. 
After  which  may  be  sung  a  hymn.    Then  may  follow  an 

A  D  D  R  ESS. 

After  which  ihall  be  offered  the  concluding  prayer : 

Blessed  be  Thy  Name,  O  Lord,  that  it  hath 
pleased  Thee  to  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  Thy  ser- 


•  Instead  c£  the  word  Hell  may  be  used  the  word  Hades. 


LAYING  OF  A  CORNER  STONE. 


I23 


vants  to  commence  the  erection  of  a  house,  in 
which  Thy  Name  is  to  be  worshipped,  the  Glad 
Tidings  of  salvation  proclaimed,  and  Thy  Holy  Sac- 
raments administered.  Prosper  them,  O  Lord, 
in  this  their  undertaking.  Keep  and  preserve  by 
Thy  providence  unto  the  end,  the  work,  which  is 
now  begun  in  Thy  fear.  Excite  the  skill  and  ani- 
mate the  industry  of  the  workmen.  Shield  them 
from  accident  and  danger.  And  grant  unto  them, 
and  unto  all  of  us  here  present,  the  influences  of 
Thy  Divine  Spirit,  so  that  we  may  become  in  soul 
and  body,  living  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
be  prepared  for  that  eternal  city  which  hath  foun- 
dations, whose  Builder  and  Maker  is  God.  All 
which  we  ask  through  the  abundant  merits  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  Who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  One 
God,  world  without  end. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  glve 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors:  and 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil :  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    a  men. 

BENEDICTION. 


124  LITURGY. 


XII. 

Office  for  the  dedication  of  a  house 
of  worship. 


The  mraal  Order  of  Service  for  the  Lord's  Day  having  been  observed  until 
after  the  reading  of  the  Commandments,  the  following  Lessons  from  Holy  Scrip- 
rare  shall  then  be  read  . 

i. — From  the  Psalter 

The  Minister  and  People  reading  responaively. 

Psalm   XXIV. 

The  earth  ts  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness  thereof;  the  world, 
and  they  that  dwell  therein. 

For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas,  and  estab- 
lished IT  UPON  THE  FLOODS. 

Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ?  or  who  shall 
stand  in  His  holy  place  ? 

He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart  ;  who 

HATH   NOT   LIFTED   UP  HIS  SOUL  UNTO  VANITY,  NOR  SWORN 
DECEITFULLY. 

He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the  Lord,  and  righteous- 
ness from  the  God  of  his  salvation. 

This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  seek  Him,  that 
ieek  thy  face,  o  jacob,  selah, 

Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates ;  and  be  ye  lifted  up,  ye  ever* 
tasting  doors  ;  and  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

Who  is  this  King  of  glory?  The  Lord  strong  anu 
mighty,  the  lord  mighty  in  battle. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates  ;  even  lift  them  up,  ye  everlast* 
tag  doors ;  and  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

Who  is  this  King  of  Glory  ?  The  Lord  of  hosts.  H* 
is  run  King  of  Glory 


DEDICATION    OF  A  HOUSE    OP    WORSHIP.  1 25 

Psalm  CXXXII. 
E.  Lord,  remember  David,  and  all  his  aiHLtijnj : 

t.  HOW  HE  SWARE  UNTO  THE  LORD,  AND  VOWED  UNTO 
THE   MiGHTY  GOD  OF  JACOB  ; 

3.  Surely  i  will  not  come  into  the  tabernacle  of  my  house,  not 
go  up  into  rny  bed  ; 

4.  I  WILL  NOT  GIVE  SLEEP  TO  MINE  EYES,  OK  SLUMBER 
TO  MINE  EYELIDS, 

5.  Until  I  find  out  a  place  for  the  Lord,  a  habitation  tor  the 
mighty  God  of  Jacob. 

6.  LO,  WE  HEARD  OF  IT  AT  EPHRATAH  :  WE  FOUND  IT  IN 
THE  FIELDS  OF  THE  WOOD. 

7.  We  will  go  into  His  tabernacles ;  we  will  worship  at  His 
footstool. 

8.  Arise,  O  Lord,  into  thy  rest:  thou,  and  the  ark 
of  Thy  strength. 

9.  Let  Thy  priests  be  clothed  with  righteousness  ;  and  let  Thy 
saints  shout  for  joy. 

10.  For  Thy  servant  David's  sake  turn  not  away 
The  face  of  Thine  Anointed. 

11.  The  Lord  hath  sworn  in  truth  unto  David:  He  will  noi 
turn  from  it ;  Of  the  fruit  of  thy  body  will  I  set  upon  thy  throne. 

12.  IF  THY  CHILDREN  WILL  KEEP  MY  COVENANT  AND  MY 
TESTIMONY  THAT  I  SHALL  TEACH  THEM,  THEIR  CHILDREN 
SHALL  ALSO  SIT  UPON  THY  THRONE  FOR  EVERMORE. 

13.  For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion ;  He  hath  desired  it  fcr 
His  habitation. 

14.  This  is  my  rest  for  ever  :  here  will  I  dwell 

FOR  I  HAVE  DESIRED   IT. 

15.  I  will  abundantly  bless  her  provision;  I  will  satisfy  hi./ 
poor  with  bread. 

16.  I  WILL  ALSO  CLOTHE  HER  PRIESTS  WITH  SALVATION, 
AND   HER  SAINTS  SHALL  SHOUT  ALOUD  FOR  JOY. 

17.  There  will  I  make  the  horn  of  David  to  bud  :  I  have  or- 
dained a  lamp  for  Mine  anointed. 

18.  HIS  ENEMIES  WILL  I  CLOTHE  WITH  SHAME.  BUT 
UPON  HIMSELF  SHALL  HIS  CROWN  FLOURISH. 


126  LITURGY. 

II.— From  the  Old  Testament: 
Exod.  40:  17-38  ;  or,  1  Kings,  9  :  1-9. 

III. — From  the  New  Testament: 
Heb.  13  :  10-21  ;  or,  Rev.  21  :  10-27. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Dearly  Beloved  in  the  Lord:  God  our 
Heavenly  Father,  having  in  His  grace,  which  is  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  brought  to  its  consumma- 
tion our  work  of  preparing  a  house  for  His  worship, 
and  the  honor  of  His  Holy  Name  ;  within  whose 
walls  His  Holy  Gospel  is  to  be  truly  preached  and 
His  Holy  Sacraments  are  to  be  faithfully  adminis- 
tered ;  we  are  now  gathered  in  His  Holy  presence 
for  the  purpose  of  devoting  it  by  a  solemn  act  of 
worship  to  its  proper  and  sacred  use.  I  call  upon 
you,  therefore,  to  arise,  and  before  the  Lord,  to  unite 
in  this  act  of  dedication,  confessing  first,  devoutly, 
our  holy  faith. 

The  people  uniting  audibly  with  the  Minister. 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  only  Son,  our 
Lord  ;  Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost  ; 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary;  suffered  under 
Pontius  Pilate  ;  was  crucified,  dead  and 
buried;  He  descended  into  hell*  the  third 
day  He  rose  again  from  the  dead;  He  as- 


*  Instead  of  the  word  Hell  may  be  used  the  word  Hades. 


DEDICATION    OF    HOUSE    OF    WORSHIP.  12' 

cended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  at  the  right 
hand  of  god  the  father  almighty:  from 
thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick 
and  the  dead. 

i  believe  in  the  holy  ghost ;  the  holy 
Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  Saints  ; 
the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of 

THE  BODY ;  AND  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.      AMEN. 
Then  the  Minister  shall  offer  the 

PRAYER    OF    DEDICATION. 

The  People  uniting  audibly  in  the  responses,  which  are  printed  in  small  cant 
tals. 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  Who 
art,  and  wast,  and  art  to  come,  the  whole  earth  is 
full  of  Thy.glory  !  Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  greatness, 
and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  and  the  victory,  and 
the  majesty  ;  for  all  that  is  in  the  heaven  and  in  the 
earth  is  Thine.  Now,  therefore,  we  thank  Thee,  O 
God,  and  praise  Thy  glorious  Name. 

But  who  are  we,  that  we  should  be  able  to  offer 
so  willingly  after  this  sort  ?  For  all  things  come  oi 
Thee,  and  of  Thine  own  do  we  give  Thee.  O 
Lord  our  God,  all  this  store  that  we  have  prepared 
to  build  Thee  an  house  for  Thine  Holy  Name, 
cometh  of  Thine  hand  and  is  all  Thine  own. 

Now  behold,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  look  unto 
this  place  where  we  are  gathered  in  Thy  Name  ; 
and  have  respect  to  the  prayer  of  Thy  servants  and 
to  their  supplication,  to  hearken  unto  the  cry  and 


128  LITUkGY. 

the  prayer  that  Thy  servants  pray  before  Thee  this 

day,  to  take  this  house  for  Thine  Own. 

Holy,  Blessed,  and  Glorious  Trinity,  Three  Per. 

sons  in  One  God, 

To  Thee  we  dedicate  it. 

Father   of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,   Our  Father 

Who  art  in  Heaven, 

To  Thee  we  dedicate  it. 

Son  of  God,  the  Only  Begotten  of  the  Father, 

Head   of  the  Body,  which  is  the   Church  ;   Head 

over  all  things  to  the  Church  ;  Prophet,  Priest  and 

King  of  Thy  people, 

To  Thee  we  dedicate  it. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  the  Father 
and  the  Son;  given  to  be  our  abiding  Teacher, 
Sanctifier,  and  Comforter ;  Lord  and  Giver  of  Life, 

To  Thee  we  dedicate  it. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  into  Thy  rest,  Thou  and  the  ark 
of  Thy  strength.  Let  Thy  priests  be  clothed  with 
righteousness,  and  let  Thy  people  shout  for  joy. 
Put  Thy  Name  in  this  place.  Sanctify  it  by  Thy 
presence  and  Thy  constant  abiding.  Give  power 
and  efficacy  to  Thy  Gospel  preached  in  it,  and 
Thy  Sacraments  administered  in  it.  Let  Thine 
eyes  be  opened  towards  it ;  and  hearken  unto  the 
supplications  of  Thy  people  when  they  pray  in  this 
place,  and  hear  Thou  in  Heaven  Thy  dwelling- 
place,  and  when  Thou  hearest,  forgive.  And  from 
this  outer  court  of  Thy  Holy  Sanctuary  bring  Thy 
people  and  their  children  into  the  true  tabernacle 
which  the  Lord  pitched,  and  not  man  ;  the  heaven- 
ly temple,  of  which  the  Lord  God  Almighty  and  the 
Lamb  are  tiie  light.     We  ask  and  offer  all  in  the 


DEDICATION    OF  A  HOUSE    OF    WORSHIP.  T29 

Name  of  Thy  Son  our  Saviour,  Who  hath  taught 
us  to  pray : 

Our  Father,  Who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  Name:  Thy  kingdom  come:  Thy  will 
be  done  in  earth.  as  it  is  in  heaven:  glve 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive 
us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors; 
a.nd  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil:  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    amen. 

Then  shall  follow  the  usual    Order  of  Service,  beginning  with  the  Hyma 
before  the  Sermon. 


13O  LITURCY. 


o 


XIII. 

FFICE   FOR  THE  CONFIRMATION  OF   MAR- 
RIAGE. 


Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord  Who  made 
heaven  and  eartn. 

The  Minister  shall  say  to  all  present : 

Dearly  Beloved, 

We  are  assembled,  in  the  sight  of  God,  to  join  to- 
gether this  man  and  this  woman  in  the  bonds  of 
Marriage  :  which  is  an  honorable  estate,  instituted 
of  God  in  the  time  of  man's  innocency,  confirmed  by 
the  .teaching  of  our  Blessed  Saviour,  and  compared 
by  St.  Paul  to  the  mystical  union  which  subsists  be- 
tween Christ  and  His  Church. 

Into  this  holy  estate  these  two  persons  are  come 
to  be  joined.  Therefore,  if  any  man  can  show  any 
just  cause  why  they  may  not  lawfully  be  joined  to- 
gether, let  him  now  declare  it,  or  else,  hereafter,  for 
ever  hold  his  peace. 

And  to  those  who  come  to  be  married  : 

I  charge  you,  each  and  both,  as  ye  shall  answer 
to  Him  Who  will  judge  both  quick  and  dead,  if  either 


CONFIRMATION    OF    MARRIAGE.  131 

of  you  know  any  reason  why  ye  may  not  lawfully  be 
joined  together  in  marriage,  declare  it  now.  For. 
be  well  assured  that  all  those  who  are  brought  to- 
gether contrary  to  the  Word  of  God,  are  not  joined 
together  of  God,  neither  is  their  marriage  lawful. 

If  no  sufficient  impediment  be  alleged,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Hear  now  what  Holy  Scripture  doth  teach,  as 
touching  the  duty  of  husbands  to  their  wives,  and  of 
wives  to  their  husbands  : 

Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even  as  Christ  also 
loved  the  Church,  and  gave  Himself  for  it,  that  He 
might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it  with  the  washing  of 
water  by  the  Word.  So  ought  men  to  love  their 
wives  as  their  own  bodies.  He  that  loveth  his  wife 
loveth  himself.  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  his 
father  and  mother,  and  shall  be  joined  unto  his  wife, 
and  they  two  shall  be  one  flesh.     And, 

Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your  own  husbands 
as  unto  the  Lord.  For  the  husband  is  the  head  of 
the  wife,  even  as  Christ  is  the  Head  of  the  Church. 
And  He  is  the  Saviour  of  the  body.  And  again  He 
saith,  let  the  wife  see  that  she  reverence  her  hus- 
band. 

LET   US   PRAY. 

O  Most  Holy  and  Most  Merciful  Lord  God !  we 
beseech  Thee  for  these,  Thy  servant  and  handmaid, 
that  they  may,  with  a  reverent  trust  in  Thee,  enter 
into  the  Covenant  of  Marriage,  as  they  now  propose, 
and  truly  keep  all  the  vows  which  they  are  about  to 
make,  according  to  Thy  Word.  Grant  this,  O  Father^ 
with  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins,  through  Christ  Thy 
Son.    Amen. 


132  LITURGY. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  bid  the  man  and  the  woman  join  their  right  hands  ;  which 
being  done,  he  shall  say  to  the  man  : 

Dost  thou, — ,  take  this  woman, , 


before  God  and  these  witnesses,  to  be  thy  wedded 
wife? 

The  man  shall  answer,  I   DO. 

Wilt  thou  love  her,  comfort  her,  honor  and  keep 
her,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  and  forsaking  every 
other,  cleave  to  her  only,  so  long  as  ye  both  shall 
live? 

The  man  shall  answer,  I  WILL. 

To  the  woman : 

Dost  thou, ,  take  this  man, ,  be- 
fore God  and  these  witnesses,  to  be  thy  wedded 
husband  ? 

The  woman  shall  answer,  I   DO. 

Wilt  thou  love  him,  honor  him,  obey  him,  and 
keep  him,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  and  forsaking 
every  other,  cleave  to  him  only,  so  long  as  ye  both 
shall  live  ? 

The  woman  shall  answer,  I   WILL. 

Then,  when  a  ring  is  used,  the  Minister  shall  guide  the  hand  of  the  man  to  put  the 
ring  on  the  third  finger  of  the  woman's  left  hand,  and  holding  it  there,  the  man 
shall  say,  after  the  Minister  : 

With  this  ring  I  thee  wed ;  in  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 

Then,  taking  their  clasped  right  hands  in  his  hand,  the  Minister  shall'say  : 

Forasmuch  as  you, ,  and  you, , 

have  consented  together,  after  God's  Holy  Ordi- 
nance of  Marriage ;  and  have  plighted  your  faith 
and  truth  to  each  other,  in  the  presence  of  God  and 


CONFIRMATION    OF   MARRIAGE.  133 

of  these  witnesses  ;  and  have  confirmed  the  same  by 
giving  and  receiving  a  ring ;  now,  therefore,  I  pro- 
nounce you  husband  and  wife.  In  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 

Whom,  therefore,  God  hath  joined  together,  let 
not  man  put  asunder. 

LET  US  PRAY. 

O  Faithful  God,  who  keepest  covenant  and  truth 
with  them  that  love  Thee,  hear  Thou  in  heaven  Thy 
dwelling-place,  this  marriage  vow  which  Thy  servant 
and  handmaid  have  vowed  before  Thee.  And  grant 
unto  them  the  grace  of  Thy  Good  Spirit,  that  with 
all  fidelity  they  may  observe  and  keep  it ;  walking 
together  in  Thy  faith  and  fear ;  being  led  by  the 
Angel  of  Thy  presence,  and  strengthened  by  Thy 
hand,  until  they  come  to  the  inheritance  of  the 
saints  in  light:  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  Who 
has  commanded  us  to  pray,  saying: 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name:  Thy  kingdom  come:  Thy  will 
be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  glye  us 
this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive  us  our 

DEBTS,  AS  WE   FORGIVE   OUR   DEBTORS  :   AND    LEAD 

us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from 
evil:  For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    amen. 

And  the  Minister  shall  pronounce  over  them  this  benediction  : 

The  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  upon  you,  and  remain 
with  you  always.     Amen. 


IJ4  LITURGY. 


o 


XIV. 

FFICE    FOR    THE    BURIAL    OF    THE    DEAD 


On  entering  the  church,  the  Minister  may  use  the  following  Sentences. 

Or,  if  all  the  services  be  performed  at  the  house,  he  may  begin  with  these  Sen- 
tences. 

I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life,  saith  the 
Lord ;  he  that  believeth  in  Me,  though  he  were 
dead,  yet  shall  he  live :  and  whosoever  liveth  and 
believeth  in  Me,  shall  never  die. 

None  of  us  liveth  to  himself,  and  no  man  dieth 
to  himself;  for  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the 
Lord,  and  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord  : 
whether  we  live  therefore  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's. 
For  to  this  end  Christ  both  died  and  rose,  and  re- 
vived, that  He  might  be  Lord  both  of  the  dead  and 
living. 

We  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  it  is 
certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out. 

The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away ; 
blessed  be  the  Name  of  the  Lord. 

Then  may  b«  read,  or  chanted. 

PSALM    XC. 

t.  Lord,  Thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place  ia 
all  generations. 


BURIAL    OF   THE    DEAD.  1 33 

2.  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or 
ever  Thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 
even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  Thou  art  God. 

3.  Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction;  and  sayest, 
Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

4.  For  a  thousand  years  in  Thy  sight  are  but  as 
yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as  a  watch  in  the 
night. 

5.  Thou  earnest  them  away  as  with  a  flood  ;  they 
are  as  a  sleep :  in  the  morning  they  are  like  grass 
which  groweth  up. 

6.  In  the  morning  it  flourisheth,  and  groweth  up, 
in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth. 

7.  For  we  are  consumed  by  Thine  anger,  and  by 
Thy  wrath  are  we  troubled. 

8.  Thou  hast  set  our  iniquities  before  Thee,  our 
secret  sins  in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance. 

9.  For  all  our  days  are  passed  away  in  Thy  wrath  : 
we  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told. 

10.  The  days  of  our  years  are  threescore  years 
and  ten  ;  and  if  by  reason  of  strength  they  be  four- 
score years,  yet  is  their  strength,  labor  and  sorrow  ; 
for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly  away. 

11.  Who  knoweth  the  power  of  Thine  anger? 
even  according  to  Thy  fear,  so  is  Thy  wrath. 

12.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  Bay  : 

Hear  the  Word  of  Ood  as  it  ie  written  in  the  fifteenth  chapter  of  St.  Paul's  first 
Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  beginning  with  the  thirty-fifth  verse : 

But  some  man  will  say,  How  are  the  dead  raised 
up  ?  and  with  what  body  do  they  come  ?    Thou  fool, 


I36  LITURGY 

that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  quickened  except  it 
die:  And  that  which  thou  sowest,  thou  sowest  not 
that  body  that  shall  be,  but  bare  grain  ;  it  may 
chance  of  wheat,  or  of  some  other  grain :  But  God 
giveth  it  a  body  as  it  hath  pleased  Him,  and  to 
every  seed  his  own  body.  All  flesh  is  not  the  same 
flesh  ;  but  there  is  ovit  kind  of  flesh  of  men,  another 
flesh  of  beasts,  another  of  fishes,  and  another  of  birds. 
There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies  terrestrial : 
but  the  glory  of  the  celestial  is  one,  and  the  glory  of 
the  terrestrial  is  another.  There  is  one  glory  of  the 
sun,  and  another  glory  of  the  moon,  and  another 
glory  of  the  stars  ;  for  one  star  differeth  from  another 
star  in  glory.  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the 
dead.  It  is  sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in  in- 
corruption  ;  It  is  sown  in  dishonor,  it  is  raised  in 
glory :  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power 
It  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it  is  raised  a  spiritua, 
body.  There  is  a  natural  body,  and  there  is  a  spirit 
ual  body.  And  so  it  is  written,  The  first  man  Adam 
was  made  a  living  soul ;  the  last  Adam  was  made  a 
Quickening  Spirit.  Howbeit,  that  was  not  first 
which  is  spiritual,  but  that  which  is  natural ;  and 
afterward  that  which  is  spiritual.  The  first  man  is 
of  the  earth,  earthy :  the  second  Man  is  the  Lord 
from  heaven.  As  is  the  earthy,  such  are  they  also 
that  are  earthy :  and  as  is  the  Heavenly,  such  are 
they  also  that  are  heavenly.  And  as  wc  have  borne 
the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  im- 
age of  the  Heavenly.  Now  this  I  say,  brethren, 
that  flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of 
God  ;  neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incorruption. 


BURIAL    OF    THE    DEAD.  137 

Behold,  I  show  you  a  mystery ;  we    shall  not  all 
sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  in  a  moment,  in 
the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump :  for  the 
trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised 
incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed.     For  this 
corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mor- 
tal must  put  on  immortality.    So  when  this  corrup- 
tible shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mor- 
tal  shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall   be 
brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death  is 
swallowed  up  in  victory.     O  death,  where  is  thy 
sting?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory?  The  sting  ot 
death  is  sin  ;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But 
thanks  be  to   God,  Which  giveth    us   the  victory, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Therefore,  my  be- 
loved brethren,  be  ye  steadfast,  unmovable,  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  ;  forasmuch  as 
ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

[for  a  child.] 

Hear  the  Gospel  of  our  Saviour  Jeaus  Christ,  in  reference  to  little  children. 

AND  they  brought  young  children  to  Him,  that 
He  should  touch  them  ;  and  His  disciples  rebuked 
those  that  brought  them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it 
He  was  much  displeased,  and  said  unto  them, 
Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  Me,  and  for- 
bid them  not;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 
Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  shall  not  receive 
the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not 
enter  therein.  And  He  took  them  up  in  His  arms, 
put  His  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 

Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these  little 


138  LITURGY. 

ones ;  for  I  say  unto  you,  that  in  heaven  their 
angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of  My  Father 
which  is  in  heaven. 

For  the  Son  of  Man  is  come  to  save  that  which 
was  lost.  How  think  ye?  If  a  man  have  a  hundred 
sheep,  and  one  of  them  be  gone  astray,  doth  he  not 
leave  the  ninety  and  nine,  and  goeth  into  the  moun- 
tains and  seeketh  that  which  is  gone  astray  ?  And 
if  so  be  that  he  find  it,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  re- 
joiceth  more  of  that  sheep,  than  of  the  ninety  and 
nine  which  went  not  astray.  Even  so,  it  is  not  the 
will  of  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven,  that  one  01 
these  little  ones  should  perish. 

Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and 
serve  Him  day  and  night  in  His  temple :  and  He 
that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them. 
They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any 
more ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any 
heat.  For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the 
throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto 
living  fountains  of  waters :  and  God  shall  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  their  eyes. 

The  Lord  gave  ;  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  ; 
blessed  be  the  Name  of  the  Lord. 

After  the  reading  of  Holy  Scripture  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  Most  Merciful  God,  the  conso- 
lation of  the  sorrowful,  and  the  support  of  the  weary, 
Who  dost  not  willingly  grieve  or  afflict  the  children 
of  men ;  look  down  in  tender  love  and  pity,  we  be- 
seech    Thee,  upon   Thy   servants,   this    bereaved 


BURIAL   OF   THE   DEAD.  1 39 

household,  whose  joy  is  turned  into  mourning;  and 
according  to  the  multitude  of  Thy  mercies  be 
pleased  to  uphold,  strengthen,  and  comfort  them, 
that  they  may  not  faint  under  Thy  Fatherly  chast- 
ening, but  find  in  Thee  their  strength  and  refuge  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  Name:  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy 

WILL  BE  DONE  IN  EARTH,  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  :   GlVE 

us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors  \  and 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil:  For  Thine  is  the  Kingdom,  and 
the  Power,  and  the  Glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 

Then  may  follow  an  ADDRESS. 

After  which  the  Minister  shall  say  :     -Let   US  pray. 

Almighty  God,  with  Whom  do  live  the  spirits  of 
those  who  depart  hence  in  the  Lord,  and  with  Whom 
the  souls  of  the  faithful,  after  they  are  delivered 
from  the  burden  of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  felicity ; 
we  give  Thee  hearty  thanks  for  the  good  examples 
of  all  those  Thy  servants,  who,  having  finished  their 
course  in  faith,  do  now  rest  from  their  labors.  And 
we  beseech  Thee,  that  we,  with  all  those  who  are 
departed  in  the  true  faith  of  Thy  Holy  Name,  may 
have  our  perfect  consummation  and  bliss,  both  in 
body  and  soul,  in  Thy  eternal  and  everlasting  glory; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Thou  Ever-Blessed  Mediator,  Who  wast 
dead,  but  livest  forever,  of  Whom  the  whole  family 


1 40  LITURGY. 

in  heaven  and  earth  is  named,  and  Who  hast  knit  all 
Thy  saints  in  one  communion  unto  life  eternal,  in 
that  mystical  Body  of  which  Thou  art  the  glorious 
and  ever-living  Head  ;  grant  us  grace  so  to  follow 
Thy  blessed  saints,  who  have  gone  before  us,  in  the 
faith  and  fellowship  of  Thy  Holy  Church,  that  we 
may  come  to  those  unspeakable  joys,  which  Thou 
hast  prepared  for  all  that  love  Thee,  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world.     Amen. 

O  God,  Whose  days  are  without  end,  and  Whose 
mercies  cannot  be  numbered  ;  make  us,  we  beseech 
Thee,  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness  and  uncer- 
tainty of  human  life ;  and  let  Thy  Holy  Spirit  lead 
us  through  this  vale  of  misery,  in  holiness  and  right- 
eousness all  the  days  of  our  lives  :  that  when  we 
shall  have  served  Thee  in  our  generation,  we  may 
be  gathered  unto  our  fathers,  having  the  testimony 
of  a  good  conscience ;  in  the  communion  of  the 
Christian  Church ;  in  the  confidence  of  a  certain 
faith  ;  in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and 
holy  hope  ;  in  favor  with  Thee  our  God,  and  in 
perfect  charity  with  the  world :  all  which  we  ask 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  standing  near  the  coffin,  or  having  reached  the  place  of  burial,  the  Minister 
will  say : 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death  ! 
What  helper  shall  we  seek  but  Thee,  O  Lord, 
Who  because  of  our  sins  art  justly  angry  ! 
O  Holy  God,  Holy  and  Strong,  Holy  and  Com- 
passionate Saviour, 

Give  us  not  over  to  bitter  death  ! 


BURIAL   OF   THE   DEAD.  I     i 

Then,  while  the  earth  shall  be  cast  upon  the  body  by  some  standing  by,  the  Min- 
ister will  say  : 

Forasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God  to 
take  out  of  this  world  the  soul  of  our  departed 
brother,  we  therefore  commit  his  body  to  the 
ground  ;  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to 
dust ;  looking  for  the  general  Resurrection  in  the 
last  day,  and  the  Life  of  the  world  to  come,  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  at  Whose  second  coming  in 
glorious  majesty  to  judge  the  world,  the  earth  and 
the  sea  shall  give  up  their  dead ;  and  the  corrupti- 
ble boaies  of  those  who  sleep  in  Him  shall  be 
changed,  and  made  like  unto  His  glorious  body ; 
according  to  the  working  whereby  He  is  able  even 
to  subdue  all  things  unto  Himself. 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  He 
shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the  earth.  And 
though  after  my  skin,  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet 
in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God  ;  Whom  I  shall  see  for 
myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  another. 

I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  brethren, 
concerning  them  which  are  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow 
not,  even  as  others  which  have  no  hope.  For  if  we 
believe  that  Jesus  died,  and  rose  again,  even  so 
them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus,  will  God  bring  with 
Him. 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  God,  Who,  by  the  death  of  Thy  dear 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  hast  destroyed  death  ;  by  His  rest 
in  the  tomb  hast  sanctified  the  graves  of  the  saints ; 


142  LITURGY. 

and  by  His  glorious  resurrection  hast  brought  life 
and  immortality  to  light  :  receive,  we  beseech  Thee, 
our  unfeigned  thanks  for  that  victory  over  death 
and  the  grave,  which  He  has  obtained  for  us,  and 
for  all  who  sleep  in  Him  ;  and  keep  us  in  everlast- 
ing fellowship  with  all  that  wait  for  Thee  on  earth, 
and  with  all  that  are  around  Thee  in  heaven  ;  in 
union  with  Him  who  is  the  Resurrection  and  the 
Life  ;  Who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  ever  One  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  Who,  in 
Thy  perfect  wisdom  and  mercy,  hast  ended  for  Thy 
servants  departed,  the  voyage  of  this  troublous  life  ; 
grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  we  who  are  still  to 
continue  our  course  amidst  earthly  dangers,  temp- 
tations, and  troubles,  may  evermore  be  protected 
by  Thy  mercy ;  and  finally  come  to  the  haven  of 
eternal  salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love 
of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
with  you  all,  evermore.     Amen. 


Date  Due 

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